Apple has recently rolled out release candidates for tvOS 18.5, watchOS 11.5, and visionOS 2.5, signaling that key updates for these platforms are nearing their public debut. These RC builds are now available to developers and public beta testers, and they mark the final stretch in the testing cycle before the updates are released to the general public, expected in mid-May.
While the updates focus primarily on bug fixes and performance enhancements, there are a few new features and improvements across these platforms.
For tvOS 18.5, the update includes minor adjustments and system optimizations. Although no major new features have been introduced, the update ensures a more stable and smoother experience for users, with Apple focusing on resolving any lingering bugs and enhancing the overall performance of the platform. Given that tvOS updates tend to be relatively smaller, the main goal of tvOS 18.5 appears to be refining the user experience and keeping the system running as efficiently as possible ahead of future updates.
WatchOS 11.5, on the other hand, introduces a new Pride watch face, aligning with this year’s Pride band release. This new watch face offers users a way to personalize their Apple Watch experience with a vibrant design that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. Apart from this addition, watchOS 11.5 mainly focuses on system stability and bug fixes. There haven’t been any other significant user-facing changes, as Apple appears to be prioritizing performance improvements over introducing new features at this stage.
Similarly, visionOS 2.5 is also focused on fine-tuning performance and resolving bugs. VisionOS, which powers Apple’s Vision Pro headset, is seeing its own set of optimizations, although no major new features have been introduced in this update. As with tvOS and watchOS, the key goal for visionOS 2.5 is ensuring a smooth and stable experience for users, particularly as Apple continues to refine its spatial computing platform ahead of future releases.
These RC versions serve as a final round of validation before the software reaches the public, ensuring that any last-minute bugs are addressed. The updates are relatively minor in terms of new features, but they lay the groundwork for future, larger updates expected at Apple’s WWDC next month.
For developers and testers, these RC builds can be downloaded directly through the Settings app on compatible devices. However, Apple has cautioned against installing beta software on primary devices due to the potential for instability or data loss.
