iOS 18.5: Five New iPhone Features Are Coming Next Week

Apple is gearing up for the release of iOS 18.5, the latest update to its mobile operating system, which is expected to arrive next week. While it may not bring the sweeping changes of a major iOS milestone, iOS 18.5 introduces several practical and thoughtful improvements that enhance the daily experience for iPhone users. From improved email features to expanded satellite support and parental control enhancements, this update continues Apple’s trend of refining core functions while introducing meaningful new tools.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the five major features coming to iPhones with iOS 18.5.

1. Enhanced Mail App Experience

The Mail app gets some much-needed quality-of-life improvements in iOS 18.5, aimed at making email management more intuitive and personalized. One of the most welcomed changes is the now-visible "All Inboxes" view, which allows users to see all their emails from multiple accounts in one unified space. Previously buried in settings or not easily accessible for some users, this small but meaningful tweak makes handling emails quicker and more convenient.

Another notable addition is the ability to toggle contact photos in the inbox. While contact photos are a visually engaging way to identify senders, not everyone prefers them. With iOS 18.5, users can turn this feature on or off directly from the Mail interface by tapping the three-dot menu, offering greater customization without digging through deep settings menus.

Together, these Mail improvements reflect Apple’s ongoing mission to create a cleaner, more efficient communication experience.

2. New Pride Wallpaper for iPhone

As part of its long-standing support for the LGBTQ+ community, Apple is rolling out a new Pride-themed wallpaper with iOS 18.5. This vibrant design aligns with Apple’s broader Pride Collection, which includes Apple Watch bands and faces. The wallpaper features dynamic color palettes and animations, allowing users to celebrate Pride Month and express themselves through their devices.

Apple typically releases these themed wallpapers and accessories annually as a symbol of inclusion and diversity, and this year’s offering continues that tradition with a bold, fresh design. While primarily symbolic, the feature underscores Apple’s cultural alignment with its users and its attention to personalization.

3. Improved Parental Controls with Screen Time Alerts

Parents and guardians will appreciate the new feature in iOS 18.5 that brings more transparency to Apple’s Screen Time controls. With the update, they’ll now receive a notification whenever the Screen Time passcode is entered on a child’s device. This means that if a child attempts to bypass usage limits or access restricted apps, parents will be alerted immediately.

This change adds an extra layer of oversight and ensures Screen Time isn't just a set-it-and-forget-it tool. Instead, it becomes a more interactive system that keeps caregivers informed of any attempts to override controls. It's a small but impactful improvement for families managing device usage in the digital age.

4. Easier Purchases on Apple TV with iPhone

iOS 18.5 introduces a streamlined method for making purchases within the Apple TV app on third-party devices like smart TVs or streaming sticks. With the new “Buy with iPhone” feature, users can now authorize content purchases directly from their iPhones. When browsing content on an Apple TV app running on a non-Apple platform, users will be prompted to complete their purchase on their iPhone—using Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode for authentication.

This feature provides a smoother and more secure checkout experience, especially for households that prefer not to enter payment details on shared devices. It also highlights Apple’s growing emphasis on cross-device integration and usability across third-party platforms.

5. Satellite Feature Expansion for iPhone 13 Series

Perhaps one of the most significant additions in iOS 18.5 is the expansion of satellite functionality to older iPhones, specifically the iPhone 13 lineup. Originally introduced with the iPhone 14, satellite connectivity allows users to send emergency messages or share their location when no cellular signal is available—potentially life-saving in remote or disaster-prone areas.

With iOS 18.5, this feature is now available to iPhone 13 users, assuming their mobile carriers support it. The addition widens access to this important safety tool and demonstrates Apple’s commitment to providing vital services across more devices—not just the latest hardware.

This also comes as carriers begin to offer their own support for satellite-based services. As infrastructure improves and adoption increases, this capability is likely to become a standard feature on all iPhones moving forward.

Bonus: Under-the-Hood Improvements

In addition to the headline features, iOS 18.5 also includes a range of performance enhancements and bug fixes. These updates aim to improve battery life, boost system stability, and resolve lingering glitches reported by users on previous versions of iOS. Though not flashy, these refinements contribute significantly to overall user satisfaction and device longevity.

When Will iOS 18.5 Be Released?

Apple released the iOS 18.5 Release Candidate (RC) to developers and public beta testers earlier this week. Historically, Apple launches the public version of its software updates within a week of the RC, suggesting a likely release date around May 13, 2025. iPhone users will be able to download it by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.

Final Thoughts

iOS 18.5 may not deliver revolutionary new tools, but its enhancements are practical, thoughtful, and focused on improving the iPhone experience in everyday scenarios. Whether it's making email easier to manage, keeping children safer online, or expanding critical features like satellite connectivity, Apple continues to refine its operating system in meaningful ways.

As always, users are encouraged to back up their devices before installing the update and explore each new feature to make the most of what iOS 18.5 has to offer.