Apple officially rolled out iOS 18.5 Update on May 12, 2025, packing in some best upgrades, smoother performance, and a few standout new features that are sure to catch attention.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know—supported devices, how to install iOS 18.5 on any compatible iPhone, a deep dive into new features, bug-fix details, and what’s coming next.
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How to Install iOS 18.5 Update?
To get the iOS 18.5 update on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Backup first
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
- Tap Download & Install.
- Keep your iPhone on Wi-Fi and a charger until the reboot finishes.
- Post-update tip: leave the phone locked for 5–10 minutes so Spotlight and Photos can finish indexing (improves battery and app speed).
For Backup: (Settings → [your Apple ID name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now).
18.5 Update size ranges from ~1 GB to 7 GB, depending on what version you’re coming from.
Supported Devices
If your iPhone already runs the iOS 18 update, you’re good to go for iOS 18.5:
- iPhone SE (2nd gen) and newer
- iPhone XR / XS / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 Series
Why You Should Install iOS 18.5 Update Today?
1. For Parents: Better Screen Time Controls
In the event that a child attempts to turn off screen time limits or requests more usage, parents will get real-time notifications. From their iPhone, which helps families in more effectively controlling digital boundaries. You won’t have to wait to manually check any more, as you’ll be alerted as soon as something changes.
2. For iPhone 13 Users: Satellite Connectivity Gets Smarter
Because of iOS 18.5, iPhone 13 models (Mini to Pro Max) now support carrier-based satellite features. This goes above Emergency SOS; your mobile carrier can now directly support satellite services.
3. For Everyone: Performance & Bug Fixes
This update improves the iPhone experience across the board:
- Smoother scrolling and fewer animation stutters
- Cooler thermals under heavy use
- Resolved bugs affecting CarPlay (especially in Mazda and Chevy models)
- Fixed the Apple Vision Pro app crash and notification lag issues
These improvements bring better daily usability, especially for users who multitask or rely on features like CarPlay.
4. For the Fun Factor: Pride Wallpapers & Watch Faces
Along with iOS 18.5 updated Pride Watch Faces, Apple has also released an attractive new Pride Harmony animated wallpaper that reacts to the always-on screen. All previous Pride themes are now consolidated in one place, so you can easily swipe between designs to match your mood or style.
5. Back-Tap Banner Toggle
Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap → Show Banner lets you turn on/off the confirmation toast when you double– or triple-tap the back of the phone.
6. AppleCare & Warranty Makeover
Refreshed UI lists device coverage, serial, and benefits at a glance.
7. Enterprise & Developer Bits
- Broadcast Extension now gets a higher memory ceiling for sharper game-stream quality.
- Additional MDM & VPN changes will roll out in the coming days via Apple’s enterprise doc (usually lags a few hours).
Bug Fixes & Security Patches
- Apple Vision Pro: no more black-screen launches
- CarPlay: connectivity glitches in many Mazdas & Chevys ironed out.
- Micro-stutters / touch lag: scrolling feels smoother across first- and third-party apps.
- Notification lag: resolved choppy banners.
- Wallpaper desaturation: mostly gone.
- Security: dozens of CVE patches in WebKit, StoreKit, HVF, and Writing Tools.
Performance, Battery & Thermals
- Smooth ProMotion scaling (80–120 Hz) and faster Control Center animations.
- Benchmarks vary but stay within normal margins (Geekbench single-core ~3,400; multi-core ~8,500 on iPhone 16 Pro Max).
- Thermal imaging shows peaks of 33–34 °C after extended use—cooler than earlier builds.
- Battery life remains “all-day” even on devices with ~200 cycles.
How are people reacting iOS 18.5 Update in real life?
Look, we get it — not everyone is hyped about a new wallpaper or minor UI changes. Social Media’s comment sections are full of:
“Pride wallpaper! The biggest update of the century 😂”
“Feels like Siri gets dumber with every update 😅”
“My battery drops every time I update 😭”
But here’s the real deal: while some features seem small or cosmetic, iOS 18.5 quietly fixes a lot of stuff under the hood — from smoother scrolling and better thermal management to real-time parental alerts and satellite support for iPhone 13 users.
If you rely on CarPlay, stability, or just want your iPhone to run better day-to-day, this update is definitely worth hitting “Download & Install.”
Sometimes it’s not about big flashy features — it’s about the little fixes that just make your iPhone feel… better.
Coming Soon: iOS 18.6 Beta 1, iOS 19 Preview, and Release
| Update | ETA | Highlight |
| iOS 18.6 Beta 1 | Week of May 12 – 17 | Apple Intelligence features for China (rumored) |
| iOS 19 Preview | June 9 at WWDC 2025 | First-look at next-gen features (eye-tracking, vocal shortcuts, UI changes) |
| Public iOS 19 Release | Mid-September 2025 | Likely alongside the iPhone 17 launch |
Should You Install iOS 18.5?
Yes. If you’re on iOS 18.4.1 or earlier, iOS 18.5 fixes high-impact bugs (CarPlay, Vision Pro), tightens security, and gives you bonus features without noticeable downsides. Make a backup, update over Wi-Fi, and enjoy the refinements.
iOS 18.5 FAQs
Is iOS 18.5 stable for iPhone 11?
Yes — our testing shows smoother scrolling and no additional battery drain. iOS 18.5 is good for: iPhone SE (2nd gen and newer), iPhone XR / XS / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 series.
How large is the iOS 18.5 download?
iOS iPhone update 18.5 is between 1 GB and 7 GB, depending on your current version and model.
Get in touch with TechnoByyte for more updates on the upcoming iOS 19 release. Also, if you’re interested, you can read about the Tesla Pi Phone rumors, leaks, and updates.
