Apple has released the iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 release candidate builds to developers and public beta testers, signaling that the final version is right around the corner.
These builds arrive just a week after the fourth beta and will likely be the versions pushed to all users, unless any major bugs pop up at the last minute. The iOS 18.5 RC carries build number 22F75 and wraps up a relatively smooth beta cycle that began in mid-March, with weekly updates rolling out since.
Alongside iOS and iPadOS, Apple has also rolled out release candidates for macOS Sequoia 15.5, watchOS 11.5, tvOS 18.5, and visionOS 2.5, pointing to a full ecosystem update expected next week.
iOS 18.5 isn’t a massive update in terms of new features, but it brings several small improvements and bug fixes that boost day-to-day performance and usability. One of the standout tweaks is in the Mail app, which now lets users hide contact photos and revert to a more streamlined interface. Apple has also made AppleCare info easier to find in Settings. A new Pride 2025 Harmony wallpaper has been added for iPhone and iPad, launching alongside the latest Apple Watch Pride Edition Sport Band and watch face.
There are also a few notable quality-of-life additions. A new Screen Time feature notifies parents when the passcode is used on a child’s device, and a small but useful change adds “Buy with iPhone” support for making purchases in the Apple TV app on third-party hardware.
As for fixes, Apple has addressed a bug that caused black screens in the Apple Vision Pro app, and the iPhone 13 lineup now supports carrier-based satellite features, bringing that capability to more users. While many performance enhancements are under the hood, they contribute to a smoother and more stable experience overall.
Here are the complete iOS 18.5 release notes:
This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
- A new Pride Harmony wallpaper
- Parents now receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used on a child’s device
- Buy with iPhone is available when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on a 3rd party device
- Fixes an issue where the Apple Vision Pro app may display a black screen
• Support for carrier-provided satellite features is available on iPhone 13 (all models). For more information visit: https://support.apple.com/122339
And here are the complete iPadOS 18.5 release notes:
This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
- A new Pride Harmony wallpaper
- Screen Time can send a notification to parents when the Screen Time passcode is used on a child’s device, and displays when it was last used in Screen Time Settings
• Buy with iPad is available when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on a 3rd party device
Apple has confirmed that the new Pride-themed wallpapers and watch face will go live with iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, and watchOS 11.5. Given Apple’s usual timing for public releases, the most likely dates for the full rollout are Monday, May 12, or Tuesday, May 13.
With WWDC 2025 just weeks away, and iOS 19 on the horizon, iOS 18.5 offers one last round of polish before the spotlight shifts to the next generation of Apple’s software. For those curious to try it early, the release candidate is available now in Settings > General > Software Update on supported iPhones and iPads. Still, Apple recommends using a secondary device for beta testing to avoid potential bugs or data loss.
