Apple has released the iOS 18.5 Release Candidate (RC), a near-final version of the software update that signals a full public rollout could happen as early as next week. While this isn’t a major feature drop, iOS 18.5 brings several small refinements aimed at enhancing usability, personalization, and accessibility on supported iPhones—especially as Apple prepares for its next major OS unveiling at WWDC in June.
Among the most visible additions is the annual Pride Harmony wallpaper, a dynamic, stripe-based design timed ahead of Pride Month. It continues Apple’s tradition of highlighting diversity and inclusion through its design language, with animations that subtly shift as the user moves the device.
The Mail app sees the most practical updates in this release. A new toggle within the app interface now allows users to hide or show contact photos directly—streamlining inbox appearance without digging into system settings. The “All Mail” view has also become more discoverable, thanks to a subtle interface cue: a small tab now appears on the right-hand side of the categories bar, making it easier to access a unified, uncategorized inbox. While the feature itself isn’t new, its improved visibility may be welcomed by users who previously missed it.
A notable accessibility improvement comes in the form of a Back Tap banner. This optional visual cue appears at the top of the screen whenever the user triggers an assigned Back Tap gesture—such as launching the camera or taking a screenshot—by tapping the back of the iPhone. Enabling this feature (found under Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap) provides immediate feedback that the gesture has been recognized, which could be especially helpful for users relying on tactile shortcuts.
Other system-level tweaks include parental notifications when a child’s Screen Time passcode is used, support for Buy with iPhone on third-party devices within the Apple TV app, and bug fixes affecting the Apple Vision Pro app, which previously suffered from black screen issues. In addition, iPhone 13 models are gaining support for carrier-enabled satellite features—a quiet but potentially impactful upgrade for users in areas with unreliable cellular coverage.
While iOS 18.5 isn’t packed with headline-making features, it reflects Apple’s ongoing attention to detail and quality-of-life improvements ahead of the likely debut of iOS 19 next month. The company typically rolls out RC versions about a week before public release, so iPhone users can expect the update soon—likely with no significant changes between now and the final version.
Given Apple’s current cadence, this update appears intended to refine existing functionality while setting the stage for bigger announcements to come.
