iOS 18.5: what’s new in the first beta of the update
By ForGeeks Apple has released the first beta version of iOS 18.5 for developers, likely the last major update before the announcement of iOS 19, which is expected this summer. The update doesn’t bring any global changes, but it does include a few nice and long-awaited improvements, especially in the mail app and AppleCare section.
Mail: Settings are back at your fingertips
In iOS 18.5, Apple has simplified access to some features in the Mail app. Now, by tapping the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen, users can quickly toggle on and off the display of contact photos, as well as group emails by sender.
Previously, these options were only available deep in settings – in the Mail section inside the «Settings» app. The innovation brings back the convenience of earlier versions of iOS, and allows you to flexibly customize the Mail interface right in your workflow.
Importantly, the old way of managing these features through «Settings» hasn’t gone anywhere – it’s still available.
AppleCare: more transparency in warranty information
The «Settings» → «Basic» → «AppleCare and Warranty» section now has a new visual design: an AppleCare logo and a banner with an option to get detailed information about the current service status.
In addition, if you go to your Apple ID and select a specific device, a new AppleCare item will appear in the list that shows coverage status. Users with an active subscription will also be able to go straight to plan management, all accessible right from the device’s interface, without navigating to third-party menus or apps.
When should we expect a release?
If Apple doesn’t break from its established tradition, the final release of iOS 18.5 will take place in May. In the previous three years, versions «.5» have been released in the second week of May, and the company is likely to stick to the same schedule in 2025.
