iOS 18.5 Released: New Wallpaper, App Updates
## iOS 18.5 Released: Minor Update Brings Satellite Connectivity to iPhone 13, Mail App Tweaks, and Pride Wallpaper
CUPERTINO, CA — Apple has released iOS 18.5, a minor update focusing on quality-of-life improvements and expanding satellite connectivity to a wider range of iPhones. The update, arriving a month ahead of WWDC 2025, doesn't introduce major new features, but offers several noteworthy enhancements.
A key addition is carrier-provided satellite feature support for iPhone 13 models. This functionality, previously limited to iPhone 14 and later models with iOS 18.3, allows users to send text messages via satellite in areas without cellular service. However, availability depends on carrier support, with T-Mobile and Verizon currently offering the service in the US using technologies like “Direct to Cell,” where satellites function as cell towers. Users will see a "SAT" symbol in their status bar when connected via satellite.
iOS 18.5 also includes refinements to the Mail app, addressing user feedback on the redesigned interface introduced in iOS 18.2. The "All Mail" category is now permanently visible, and users can now toggle the display of contact icons directly within the Mail app, offering greater customization. The update also simplifies access to settings previously located in the Settings app.
Further enhancements include a new Pride Harmony wallpaper, part of Apple’s 2025 Pride Collection celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This dynamic wallpaper features rainbow stripes that shift as the device is locked and unlocked. The collection also includes new watch faces and an Apple Watch band.
For parents utilizing Screen Time, iOS 18.5 adds a notification alert when a child successfully enters their passcode to bypass restrictions, enhancing parental controls. Additionally, a new "Buy with iPhone" option simplifies purchasing Apple TV content on third-party devices, eliminating the need for manual password entry. Finally, the update resolves a black screen issue previously affecting the Apple Vision Pro app. While Apple's official release notes don't detail all changes, the update also includes unspecified security improvements. iOS 18.5 is available now via Settings > General > Software Update.
CUPERTINO, CA — Apple has released iOS 18.5, a minor update focusing on quality-of-life improvements and expanding satellite connectivity to a wider range of iPhones. The update, arriving a month ahead of WWDC 2025, doesn't introduce major new features, but offers several noteworthy enhancements.
A key addition is carrier-provided satellite feature support for iPhone 13 models. This functionality, previously limited to iPhone 14 and later models with iOS 18.3, allows users to send text messages via satellite in areas without cellular service. However, availability depends on carrier support, with T-Mobile and Verizon currently offering the service in the US using technologies like “Direct to Cell,” where satellites function as cell towers. Users will see a "SAT" symbol in their status bar when connected via satellite.
iOS 18.5 also includes refinements to the Mail app, addressing user feedback on the redesigned interface introduced in iOS 18.2. The "All Mail" category is now permanently visible, and users can now toggle the display of contact icons directly within the Mail app, offering greater customization. The update also simplifies access to settings previously located in the Settings app.
Further enhancements include a new Pride Harmony wallpaper, part of Apple’s 2025 Pride Collection celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This dynamic wallpaper features rainbow stripes that shift as the device is locked and unlocked. The collection also includes new watch faces and an Apple Watch band.
For parents utilizing Screen Time, iOS 18.5 adds a notification alert when a child successfully enters their passcode to bypass restrictions, enhancing parental controls. Additionally, a new "Buy with iPhone" option simplifies purchasing Apple TV content on third-party devices, eliminating the need for manual password entry. Finally, the update resolves a black screen issue previously affecting the Apple Vision Pro app. While Apple's official release notes don't detail all changes, the update also includes unspecified security improvements. iOS 18.5 is available now via Settings > General > Software Update.
