Apple continues to roll out significant updates to its iPhone operating system, with iOS 18.5 launching imminently while future updates promise enhanced privacy features and battery improvements. These updates reflect Apple's ongoing commitment to user security and device optimization in an increasingly privacy-conscious tech landscape.
iOS 18.5 Release Imminent
Apple's next major iPhone update, iOS 18.5, is expected to arrive any moment now. Based on Apple's typical release patterns and recent clues, the update will likely launch on Monday, May 12, or Tuesday, May 13. This update follows the recent iOS 18.4 and 18.4.1 releases and represents one of the last significant updates before iOS 19 arrives this fall.
Key Features in iOS 18.5
The upcoming iOS 18.5 update includes several notable improvements. Parents will receive notifications when Screen Time passcodes are used on their children's devices, enhancing parental controls. A new Buy with iPhone feature will allow purchases within the Apple TV app on third-party devices. The update also fixes an issue where the Apple Vision Pro companion app sometimes displayed a black screen.
iOS 18.5 Features:
- Pride Harmony wallpaper
- Screen Time passcode usage notifications for parents
- Buy with iPhone feature for Apple TV app on third-party devices
- Fix for Apple Vision Pro companion app black screen issue
- Carrier-provided satellite features for all iPhone 13 models
- Security fixes (details pending)
iPhone 13 Gets Satellite Features
Perhaps most significantly, iOS 18.5 will bring carrier-provided satellite features to all iPhone 13 models. This extends functionality previously limited to newer devices, giving iPhone 13 users access to important connectivity options in areas without traditional cellular coverage. The update will also include critical bug fixes and security patches, though specific details haven't been announced yet.
Privacy Indicators in iOS 18.4
Recent iOS updates have emphasized privacy features, with iOS 18.4 introducing a redesigned privacy indicator. Users may have noticed a black dot appearing at the top of their screen, which is intentional rather than a bug. This enhanced privacy indicator shows when an app is accessing the iPhone's camera (orange dot) or microphone (green dot), now with a black outline to make them more visible.
Privacy Indicator Colors:
- Orange dot: Camera in use
- Green dot: Microphone in use
- Black outline: Added in iOS 18.4 to make indicators more visible
What to Do If Privacy Indicators Light Up
If you notice these privacy indicators activating unexpectedly, it's worth investigating. First, check if you're using an app that legitimately needs camera or microphone access. If not, review which apps have permission to use these features in Settings > Privacy & Security and revoke unnecessary access. While most users shouldn't worry about malicious surveillance, those in sensitive positions might consider using specialized detection apps like iVerify if they suspect spyware.
Bluetooth 6.1 Improvements Coming Soon
Looking further ahead, a significant Bluetooth upgrade is on the horizon. The recently announced Bluetooth 6.1 protocol will introduce Randomized RPA Updates, enhancing privacy by making devices harder to track. Unlike Bluetooth 6.0, which changes device identifier addresses on a predictable timer, version 6.1 will randomize these changes at intervals between eight and fifteen minutes.
Battery Life Benefits
The Bluetooth 6.1 update isn't just about privacy—it also promises battery life improvements. By handling address changes through the Bluetooth chip rather than the CPU, the process becomes more efficient, reducing power consumption. While this technology probably won't appear in iPhones until 2026, it represents an important advancement in balancing connectivity with energy efficiency.
Bluetooth 6.1 Improvements:
- Randomized RPA (resolvable private address) Updates
- Address changes occur randomly between 8-15 minutes (customizable from 1 second to 1 hour)
- Improved device privacy by eliminating predictable update patterns
- Better battery efficiency by offloading processing to Bluetooth chip instead of CPU
- Expected implementation in phones: likely 2026
Staying Up to Date
For iPhone users concerned about security, updating to the latest iOS version remains crucial. Current versions like iOS 18.4.1 contain important security features, and the upcoming iOS 18.5 will continue this trend. Users can check for updates by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.
