Apple’s iOS update 18.5 is now available! It has some colorful new Pride wallpaper, some Mail app adjustments, stronger parental controls, & iPhone 13 satellite capabilities.
Apple has finally released iOS 18.5 update, and although it is not the largest update, it still has some significant changes. Whether you are a casual user or a tech fan, here is a summary of what’s new in this new iOS release.
Key Features in iOS 18.5 update
1. Pride Harmony Wallpaper
To commemorate Pride Month, Apple has launched a stunning dynamic Pride Harmony wallpaper celebrating diversity and inclusion. The new wallpaper can be found under the settings of users and added as a splash of color to their lock screen.
2. Screen Time Improvements
Apple has enhanced Screen Time through enhanced parental control capabilities. Parents will now get alerted whenever a Screen Time passcode is entered on a child’s device, making it easier for them to keep an eye on and enforce limits on their children.
Read this: Apple iPhone 17 Air: The Future of Ultra-Slim Technology
3. Mail App Enhancements
For us mere mortals who live in our inboxes, iOS 18.5 delivers a few much-needed Mail app tweaks:
Easier Access to “All Mail”: Remember having to swipe down to find your “All Mail” inbox? Well, no more! Apple has made it more prominent by adding it as a dedicated tab. This simple change makes navigating between your various inboxes a breeze.
Quick Toggle for Contact Photos: Need to tidy up your inbox visually? Now you can quickly toggle contact photos on or off right from the three-dot menu in the Mail app. No more rummaging through Settings! This is a tiny but significant tweak for customizing your email view.
4. Satellite Connectivity on iPhone 13
Arguably the most thrilling addition to iOS 18.5 update is the bringing of carrier-offered satellite services to the entire iPhone 13 series (that’s the iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max!). At long last, owners of those phones are able to enjoy the security of being able to send and receive text messages over satellite in those nasty dead zones in which cellular and Wi-Fi signals drop out.
Currently, T-Mobile’s “Starlink” service is at the front of the line in beta release. It is an amazing next step towards connecting, particularly during emergencies or off the grid, so to speak, while traveling. Note well that Apple’s own “Emergency SOS via satellite” functionality still only works in the iPhone 14 and higher models. But this carrier-integrated satellite messaging comes with an entire new world of communication options for iPhone 13 users. We’re hoping others will get on board in the future!
5. Apple TV App Updates
For those new to the Apple Vision Pro scene, iOS 18.5 update resolves an issue that might have made the Apple Vision Pro app show a black screen. The patch guarantees less trouble when engaging with Vision Pro content on your iPhone.
6. Security Fixes
Like with any update, iOS 18.5 includes some security enhancements, fixing more than 30 vulnerabilities so that devices are safe from incoming threats.
Should You Update?
If security is your top concern, upgrading to iOS 18.5 is a no-brainer. The new features aren’t revolutionary, but they improve the user experience in small but significant ways.
To download iOS 18.5, just go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest version.
Final Thoughts
Although iOS 18.5 is not a revolutionary release, it does include some truly helpful additions, especially the increased satellite connectivity for iPhone 13 users and the considerate refinement of the Mail app. The new Pride wallpaper is a nice nicety, and the improved parental controls are a bonus for families.
