Apple Quietly Ships iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, and macOS 15.5

Just weeks before WWDC 2025, Apple is shipping out what’s likely one of the last big updates in the iOS 18 cycle — iOS 18.5, along with iPadOS 18.5 and macOS Sequoia 15.5, after weeks of beta testing.

And while these aren’t headline-grabbing releases, they bring a handful of practical upgrades, new controls for parents, a fresh Pride wallpaper, and expanded satellite support.

Apple drops new public betas for iOS 18.5 and macOS 15.5

If you’re not a software tester, you might want to wait for more stable versions before you update your iOS or macOS.

TechloyKelechi Edeh

Here's what you'll get when you update:

Let’s start with the iPhone

In iOS 18.5, Apple has finally added carrier-based satellite messaging for all iPhone 13 models, starting with T-Mobile in the U.S. It's not quite Emergency SOS, but it does open up basic connectivity in remote areas, powered by Starlink. And yes, it’s free for now.

There’s also a subtle but useful change to Screen Time: parents now get notified whenever a child uses the passcode to override restrictions. Think of it as Apple quietly tightening the bolts on its digital parenting tools.

Other changes include:

• A new animated Pride Harmony wallpaper, Apple’s annual nod to Pride Month
• An update that lets you buy with an iPhone inside the Apple TV app on third-party devices
• Fixes for bugs, including one that caused a black screen in the Vision Pro app
• Over 30 security vulnerabilities were patched, including issues in Bluetooth, FaceTime, and the new iPhone 16e modem

Some subtle changes for iPad and Mac users

On iPadOS 18.5, it’s mostly the same set of changes, but tailored for iPad users—same Pride wallpaper, Screen Time tweaks, and TV purchase updates. macOS Sequoia 15.5 keeps things even simpler: just the Screen Time notifications for parents, and a list of enterprise-level fixes. No flashy upgrades, but Apple’s clearly in polish mode.

The company has already shifted its focus to iOS 19, expected at WWDC next month. But one more 18-series update is still on the way: iOS 18.6, which Apple says will bring Apple Intelligence features to China for the first time.

So, no, iOS 18.5 isn’t packed with features, but it’s a solid, secure update that lays the groundwork for what’s next.

Image Credit: Apple

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