Everything New in iOS 18.5 Beta

Apple has rolled out the first developer beta of iOS 18.5, bringing several refinements and minor feature additions. While not a major overhaul, this update introduces tweaks that enhance usability across various apps and system settings. Let’s dive into everything new in iOS 18.5 Beta.

Mail App Enhancements

The Mail app sees two notable updates in iOS 18.5 Beta:

• Toggle Contact Photos: Users can now show or hide contact photos directly within the Mail app’s settings, making customization more accessible.
• Disable “Group by Sender”: A new in-app option allows users to disable the “Group by Sender” view, offering better control over email organization.

Settings Updates

Apple has made minor adjustments to the AppleCare & Warranty section in Settings:

• The page now features a larger heading and additional information about the service.
• A direct hyperlink to the Apple website has been added for more details.

Photos App Adjustments

• The Recently Deleted folder now reinstates the “Recover All” and “Delete All” buttons, which had been temporarily removed in previous versions due to stability issues.

Modem Firmware Update

• The latest beta includes a modem firmware update, which may improve network reception and reduce power consumption, especially in areas with weak signal coverage.

Messages via Satellite Expansion

• Some users in the UK have reported that Messages via Satellite is now available after updating to iOS 18.5 Beta 1, suggesting a potential wider rollout of the feature.

Final Thoughts

While iOS 18.5 Beta doesn’t introduce groundbreaking features, these refinements enhance the user experience. The focus appears to be on improving app organization, connectivity, and usability ahead of the highly anticipated iOS 19 announcement at WWDC 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates as further betas roll out!