Apple has released iOS 18.5 beta 2: what’s new?

Apple has unveiled the second test build of iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 for developers. The first version didn’t bring anything exciting to iPhone and iPad users, leaving fans of the platform waiting for real changes. The second beta is more hopeful – and there is something new.

While iOS 18.5 doesn’t promise sweeping new features, Apple has still added a number of useful little things that indicate it’s working to improve the current experience before iOS 19.

Why the iOS 18.5 update isn’t causing a stir

According to reports, iOS 18.5 is not on Apple’s priority release list. That’s because the bulk of the planned features for iOS 18 have already been implemented in previous updates, and the company’s resources are now focused on preparing for iOS 19.

Despite this, in a similar release last year – iOS 17.5 – Apple managed to surprise users by adding support for News+ games and a feature to detect tracking using third-party trackers like AirTag. It’s possible that the final version of iOS 18.5 will have hidden innovations this time around as well.

And it’s possible that the final version of iOS 18.5 will have hidden innovations as well.

What’s in beta 2 of iOS 18.5

So far, the second beta includes at least one notable improvement: in the default Mail app, you can now disable the display of contact photos. This tweak will make the interface more minimalistic – a feature that may be useful for those who prefer a more concise look for their mail client.

The second beta includes at least one notable improvement: you can now turn off the display of contact photos in the default Mail app.

It’s expected that other changes, however minor, may appear in future betas. Apple doesn’t usually reveal all the new features at once, but adds them gradually as the final release approaches.