Here Are Apple's Full iOS 18.5 Release Notes - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Here Are Apple's Full iOS 18.5 Release Notes

Apple today seeded the release candidate version of iOS 18.5 to developers and public beta testers, giving us a look at the final version of the update that will be provided to the public next week.

iOS 18
With the release candidate, Apple provided release notes, so we have a more complete look at the new features that are included in the update, including those that weren't found during the beta testing period.

The update adds a new wallpaper that matches this year's Pride Apple Watch Band, along with a new parental alert when a child is able to bypass the Screen Time passcode. Apple also added support for carrier-provided satellite services on the iPhone 13, and a feature for using an iPhone to purchase content within the Apple TV app on a third-party device.

This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:

  • A new Pride Harmony wallpaper
  • Parents now receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used on a child's device
  • Buy with iPhone is available when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on a 3rd party device
  • Fixes an issue where the Apple Vision Pro app may display a black screen
  • Support for carrier-provided satellite features is available on iPhone 13 (all models). For more information visit: https://support.apple.com/122339

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/100100

Should no bugs be found in the iOS 18.5 release candidate, we expect to see iOS 18.5 released next week alongside iPadOS 18.5 and macOS Sequoia 15.5.

Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

sputnikv Avatar
12 months ago
i can't imagine a set of features with a smaller set of users
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nermal Avatar
12 months ago
And what about bug fixes? Like a fix for the iMessage text field sometimes going partway off the screen when you add a photo? Or the Close Tab button in Safari intermittently not working? Or Safari's Favourites list sometimes coming up blank? Or...
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JosephAW Avatar
12 months ago
Just give us a stable iOS please. o_O
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago
Listing a new WALLPAPER as a noteworthy change to a new software version is kind of a joke, in my opinion.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bustycat Avatar
12 months ago
The new wallpaper is the most important enhancement of iOS 18.5 according to Apple.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dieu Avatar
12 months ago
“The update adds a new wallpaper that matches this year's Pride Apple Watch Band”

Essential update!
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)