The iOS 18.5 beta update has been introduced by Apple as a precursor to the upcoming iOS 19 and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025.
According to PhoneArena, Apple has released the first beta of iOS 18.5 for developers globally. This update is not characterized by major new features, as might be expected mid-cycle, but instead focuses on minor enhancements, performance improvements, and system stability.
Notable changes in the iOS 18.5 beta include:
- Mail App Enhancement: Users can now toggle the sender’s avatar directly in the inbox, eliminating the need to navigate to the Settings app.
- AppleCare & Warranty Section: The interface now presents a cleaner, more user-friendly information banner regarding the device’s warranty status, simplifying user management.
In addition to iOS, simultaneous beta updates for visionOS, the operating system for Vision Pro, and watchOS for the Apple Watch were released, but these updates also did not introduce significant new features.
Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman notes that Apple is intentionally holding back more significant features for the highly anticipated WWDC event, scheduled for June 9. During this event, Apple is expected to officially unveil iOS 19 along with major updates to macOS and watchOS. A key highlight will be the announcement of Apple Intelligence, the company’s much-anticipated on-device AI system.
For the Chinese market, reports indicate that Apple is working on integrating Apple Intelligence with local services such as Baidu, along with implementing specific censorship measures, rather than relying on solutions from OpenAI or Google. This integration may coincide with the release of the official iOS 18.5 version or be included in an upcoming iOS 18.6 update.
For those eager for significant AI advancements, improvements to Siri, or a major overhaul of app interfaces, much anticipation surrounds the June event, as this beta serves as a preparatory phase before Apple unveils its major updates.
