Apple Rolls Out iOS 18.5 With Fresh Wallpapers, Bug Fixes And Key Security Updates

Apple has just released iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 — the fifth software update in the iOS 18 series — even as anticipation builds around the tech giant’s next major software reveal at WWDC 2025. While this update doesn’t bring dramatic new features, it focuses on improving performance, patching vulnerabilities and adding a few helpful improvements for iPhone and iPad users.

Pride Harmony Wallpaper: Among the noticeable visual changes is a new Pride Harmony wallpaper, designed to reflect the company’s support for the LGBTQ+ community. This wallpaper subtly shifts its colour layout when the device is moved, locked, or unlocked, and aligns with the updated Pride face recently introduced for Apple Watch through watchOS 10.5.

Apple Mail updates: Apple Mail has received a few usability updates as well. Users can now toggle Contact Photos from within the Mail app and switch off the Group by Sender option. A small but handy tweak has made the ‘All Mail’ folder more accessible, placing it alongside categories such as Primary, Promotions, and Updates.

Family features: In a nod to family safety, the Screen Time feature now sends alerts to guardians when a child uses the passcode on their device, improving parental oversight. There’s also a new ‘Buy with iPhone’ feature, enabling content purchases on third-party devices within the Apple TV app.

Satellite support: One of the more technically significant upgrades is the extension of satellite-based connectivity options across the iPhone 13 lineup. Users can now stay connected even in areas without mobile or Wi-Fi coverage, thanks to partnerships with providers like Starlink. When active, a ‘SAT’ symbol appears in the device’s status bar.

Security improvements: The iOS 18.5 update resolves over 30 security vulnerabilities. This includes a fix for a critical Baseband flaw in the iPhone 16e’s modem that could have exposed network traffic. Other issues addressed include Safari crashes triggered by malicious websites, along with improvements to system memory handling, input validation, and app-specific bugs affecting FaceTime, iCloud Sharing, Call History, and more.

To install the iOS 18.5 update, here’s what you need to do:

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

• Tap Download and Install.

• Ensure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and has adequate battery life.

iOS 18.5 could be crucial in keeping your device secure, efficient and up to date ahead of the next big leap expected with iOS 19.