Apple Releases iOS 18.5: Pride Wallpaper, iPhone 13 Satellite Support, and More
Apple has officially rolled out iOS 18.5 to iPhone users, bringing a mix of new features and enhancements. This update includes a fresh Pride Harmony wallpaper, improvements to Screen Time, changes to the Mail app, and crucial support for carrier-provided satellite features on the iPhone 13 series. Let's dive into the key updates.
To update, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone. If the update isn't immediately visible, continue checking, as it may take a few hours to reach all devices.
What’s New in iOS 18.5?
According to Apple's official release notes, iOS 18.5 includes:
- A new Pride Harmony wallpaper with colors that dynamically shift as you move, lock, or unlock your device. This wallpaper complements the new Pride Harmony face for Apple Watch, available in watchOS 10.5. A matching Pride Edition Sport Band is also available for purchase.
- Parents now receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used on a child's device, enhancing parental control.
- Buy with iPhone is now supported when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on 3rd party devices, streamlining transactions.
- A fix for an issue where the Apple Vision Pro app may display a black screen.
- Support for carrier-provided satellite features is now available on iPhone 13 models. This means, for example, that T-Mobile users with an iPhone 13 can access their Starlink-powered satellite messaging service. It's important to note this only applies to carrier-provided services, *not* Apple's Emergency SOS feature only available on iPhone 14 and newer.
Mail App Refinements
The update refines the Mail app design introduced in iOS 18.2. A new toggle allows users to quickly disable contact photos in the Mail app via the three-dot menu, a feature previously buried in Settings. The categorization design has also been improved, making the “All Mail” view more accessible as a fifth tab.
Beyond these enhancements, iOS 18.5 focuses on bug fixes and performance improvements, promising a smoother user experience.
Implications and Future Updates
While iOS 18.5 brings notable changes, users are already anticipating the arrival of iOS 19. The first beta for developers is expected next month, potentially introducing significant changes such as a revamped Home Screen with visionOS-inspired translucent effects.
Did you find any other changes in iOS 18.5? Let us know in the comments below your thoughts and experiences with the latest update. Share your opinions and stay tuned for further updates on iOS 19!
