Apple Seeds iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 Release Candidates

Apple today seeded the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 updates to developers and public beta testers, with the software coming a week after Apple released the fourth betas. The release candidate represents the final version of iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 that will be released to the public should no bugs be found.

iOS 18
iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 can be downloaded from the Settings app on a compatible device by going to General > Software Update.

So far, iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 are relatively minor updates, introducing just a few new design changes. There are more options for reverting the Mail app back to the prior design, including removing contact photos, and AppleCare info is easier to find. The update also likely has bug fixes and performance improvements that are less obvious, plus it will add new Pride wallpapers.

Apple is transitioning to iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, which are set to be previewed in June at the Worldwide Developers Conference. iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 are likely to launch next week.

Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

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Top Rated Comments

sw1tcher Avatar
2 days ago at 10:28 am
Apple today seeded the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 updates to developers and public beta testers, with the software coming a week after Apple released the fourth betas. The release candidate represents the final version of iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 that will be released to the public should no bugs be found.
As if that's prevented Apple from putting out a release.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
goonie4life9 Avatar
2 days ago at 01:42 pm
Wow, this is the BEST, MOST POWERFUL version of iOS 18.5 that Apple has ever released for iOS. iOS 18.5 truly is the OS for pros!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gluckett Avatar
2 days ago at 01:07 pm

I've had my fair share of issues with the latest 18.5. Screen issues, CarPlay issues, etc.

I'm hoping the RC is better than the one I've got now (22F5068a).

Given Apple's track record lately I'm guessing we will have another "RC" before they release a somewhat less buggy version to the general public.
But that new wallpaper will be rock solid ?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Silberbogen Avatar
2 days ago at 10:41 am
Wow! A 7.05 GB update on an iPad Mini A17 Pro. That's not only wallpapers.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jphall Avatar
2 days ago at 04:16 pm

Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear oh dear.

I've looked into my crystal ball and can safely predict an RC2.

On 18.5, I have screen flickering and also screen stutter when you swipe down from the top right corner for the control panel. Stutter also in some of the menus!

Let's hope it's just my phone, and not everyone's! EEEK!?
I always do an up volume, down volume, press and hold side button until the reboot Apple comes up (I think that's called a hard reset, but I have a cold today and didn't sleep well last night), and then an iCloud back, before every iOS and iPadOS update. And if any little things pop up like you experienced, I do the same procedure.

I know it's likely voodoo, but I've only had one issue with an iPhone or iPad update in many years, though it was caused by a beta passing its expiration date before the next update came out. Apple released an update within 6 hours of it affecting my phone.

good luck!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
N0ughtsAndCr0sses Avatar
2 days ago at 10:46 am
Might as well install it

Beat the rush hour lol

Since these are the public releases anyway ??
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)