Apple continues its development cycle with the release of iOS 18.5 beta 3 to developers, though the update appears to be relatively minor compared to what's expected in the upcoming iOS 19. As developers begin testing the latest build, users can expect mostly behind-the-scenes improvements rather than major feature additions.
iOS 18.5 Beta 3 Now Available for Developers
Apple has released the third beta version of iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 to registered developers for testing purposes. This latest build can be downloaded directly on compatible iPhones and iPads through the Settings app, provided the user's Apple ID is connected to a Developer Account. The update path requires navigating to General > Software Update > Beta Updates and installing the latest build over the air.
Additional Updates Released Alongside iOS 18.5
In addition to iOS 18.5, Apple has simultaneously released several other beta updates for its ecosystem. These include macOS Sequoia 15.5 beta 3, watchOS 11.5 beta 5, visionOS 2.5 beta 3, and tvOS 18.5 beta 3. The macOS update follows a similar installation process through the Software Update mechanism in System Settings, while watchOS updates require the Apple Watch to have at least 50% battery life and be connected to a power source during installation.
Available Beta Updates:
- iOS 18.5 beta 3
- iPadOS 18.5 beta 3
- macOS Sequoia 15.5 beta 3
- watchOS 11.5 beta 5
- visionOS 2.5 beta 3
- tvOS 18.5 beta 3
iOS 18.5 Changes:
- More prominent AppleCare+ banner in Settings
- Enhanced AppleCare+ information for registered products
- Easier access to contact photo controls in Mail app
- Various bug fixes and performance improvements
Minor Improvements in iOS 18.5
The iOS 18.5 beta appears to be a relatively lightweight update focused primarily on refinements rather than major feature additions. Among the few visible changes are improvements to the Settings app, where Apple has added a more prominent AppleCare+ banner at the top of the warranty service page. Users can also find enhanced information about AppleCare+ for each registered product in the Apple Account section of Settings.
Mail App Enhancements
Another notable change in iOS 18.5 involves the Mail application. Apple has added a more accessible control to disable contact photos in the email inbox. Users can now access this option by tapping the three-dot menu button in the top-right corner of the Mail app and selecting the Show Contact Photos option. Previously, this setting was buried deeper in Mail's settings menu, making it less convenient to access.
Focus on Bug Fixes
With minimal new features appearing in this third beta release, it's likely that iOS 18.5 is primarily focused on behind-the-scenes bug fixes and performance improvements. This follows the recent public release of iOS 18.4.1, which addressed several issues including a significant CarPlay bug that had caused problems with in-car entertainment systems for many users.
Looking Ahead to iOS 19
The relatively minor nature of the iOS 18.5 update may indicate that Apple's development resources are currently concentrated on the much more substantial iOS 19 update. Set to be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, iOS 19 is rumored to feature a comprehensive design overhaul and numerous new features. This upcoming major update is likely consuming significant development resources at Apple, explaining the more modest scope of the current beta releases.
How to Access the Beta Updates
Developers interested in testing these latest beta releases can download them now on compatible devices. The updates are available exclusively to registered developers at this stage, allowing them to identify and report any bugs or issues to Apple before the software reaches public release. As with all beta software, users should be aware that these pre-release versions may contain bugs or performance issues that could affect daily use.