Recommended Free Tools
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Apple released iOS 18.5 on May 12, 2025. It was a relatively small iPhone update, adding the Pride Harmony Lock Screen wallpaper, refining Mail controls, improving Screen Time notifications and adding support for carrier-provided satellite features on all iPhone 13 models.
This is a historical release: Apple has since issued later iOS 18 updates. The information below explains what iOS 18.5 introduced when it launched.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed) | $265.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Starlight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $270.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Green - Unlocked (Renewed) | $269.99 | Buy on Amazon |
When iOS 18.5 became available
iOS 18.5 rolled out through Settings → General → Software Update on May 12, 2025. Independent release reporting identified the public build as 22F76, replacing the 22F75 release candidate. The build number was reported by 9to5Mac, rather than listed in Apple’s consumer release notes.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Before installing, back up the iPhone, connect it to Wi-Fi and power where practical, and make sure there is enough free storage. If the update does not appear immediately, check again later or restart the iPhone. Availability can vary by device and rollout conditions.
#1 Best Overall
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Mail gets two useful refinements
Apple’s concise official iOS 18.5 notes do not specifically list the Mail changes. Independent reporting identified two visible quality-of-life updates to Mail’s iOS 18 interface.
Show Contact Photos moves into Mail
Mail now provides a Show Contact Photos control directly in the app:
- Open Mail.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
- Turn Show Contact Photos on or off.
Previously, the equivalent setting was harder to find in the Settings app. The shortcut is useful if contact images make the inbox feel visually crowded or if you want to enable them without leaving Mail.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high?quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
All Mail is easier to find
Mail’s categorized inbox separates messages into tabs such as Primary, Transactions, Updates and Promotions. iOS 18.5 makes All Mail more apparent as another tab. Earlier versions made it easier to miss because users might need to swipe across the category row to reach it.
These are usability improvements, not a Mail redesign. Categorization itself arrived in an earlier iOS 18 update.
Pride Harmony is the headline visual feature
iOS 18.5 adds the Pride Harmony Lock Screen wallpaper, tied to Apple’s 2025 Pride design. Its colorful stripes change position as the user moves, locks or unlocks the iPhone, giving the wallpaper a dynamic presentation. Apple also offered a matching Apple Watch face.
Rank #3
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
It is a seasonal personalization option rather than a major operating-system capability, and wallpaper availability can vary by device or region.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Other changes Apple officially listed
Screen Time passcode notifications
Parents can receive a notification when a child’s Screen Time passcode is used. The alert indicates that the passcode was entered; it does not necessarily prove that a particular restriction was successfully bypassed.
Buy with iPhone on third-party devices
Users can authorize purchases made inside the Apple TV app on a third-party device with an iPhone. Whether the option appears depends on the device, Apple Account, payment setup and region.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Carrier-provided satellite features for iPhone 13
Apple added support for satellite features supplied by network providers on all iPhone 13 models. This does not mean that Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite became universally available on the iPhone 13.
The carrier must support the service, and availability also depends on the plan, country and region. See Apple’s carrier-provided satellite feature information for applicable details.
Apple Vision Pro app fix
The update fixes an issue that could cause the Apple Vision Pro app to display a black screen.
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high?quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
Bug fixes and security updates
Apple also described iOS 18.5 as including additional bug fixes and security updates. The consumer release notes are not a complete vulnerability breakdown. For individual security advisories, consult Apple’s security updates index.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who benefited most from iOS 18.5?
- Mail users: easier access to contact-photo settings and the All Mail view.
- Parents: more visibility when a child’s Screen Time passcode is used.
- iPhone 13 owners: possible access to supported carrier satellite features.
- Users prioritizing security: bug fixes and security updates.
- Customization fans: the Pride Harmony Lock Screen wallpaper.
Some users would notice little beyond the security and maintenance improvements. Mail categorization was not new, the wallpaper is optional, and satellite functionality requires a compatible carrier and region. If a feature is missing, confirm that the iPhone is running iOS 18.5, then check the relevant account, device, carrier and regional requirements.
Bottom line
iOS 18.5 was best understood as a minor but useful maintenance release, not a major iOS overhaul. Its most practical changes were the Mail controls and Screen Time alert, while the Pride Harmony wallpaper supplied the most visible addition. The carrier-satellite support was potentially more significant for eligible iPhone 13 users, but it was never universal.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
