Apple today released iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, the fifth updates to the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 operating systems that came out last September. iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 come a little over a month after Apple released iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4.
The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. The iOS 18.5 update has a build number of 22F76, so those that had the RC installed will see another update.
iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 are on the smaller side, featuring a limited number of new features. There's an update to Screen Time that lets parents know when a Screen Time passcode is used on a child's device, and there is support for carrier-provided satellite features on iPhone 13 models. Apple's full release notes are below.
This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
A new Pride Harmony wallpaper
Parents now receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used on a child's device
Buy with iPhone is available when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on a 3rd party device
Fixes an issue where the Apple Vision Pro app may display a black screen
Support for carrier-provided satellite features is available on iPhone 13 (all models). For more information visit: https://support.apple.com/122339
Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/100100
Apple will soon be shifting focus to iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, which are set to debut at the June Worldwide Developers Conference, but Apple does plan to release an iOS 18.6 update to bring Apple Intelligence to China.
Apple today released watchOS 11.5, the fifth major update to the operating system that runs on the Apple Watch. watchOS 11.5 comes over a month after Apple released watchOS 11.4, and it is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 and later, all Apple Watch Ultra models, and the Apple Watch SE 2.
watchOS 11.5 can be downloaded on a connected iPhone by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery and it needs to be placed on a charger.
The watchOS 11.5 update adds a new Pride Harmony watch face and it fixes an issue that could prevent the iPhone from showing a notification when the Apple Watch battery is fully charged. Apple's release notes are below.
This update includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including:
- A new Pride Harmony watch face - Buy with Apple Watch is available when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on a 3rd party device - Resolves an issue that may prevent your iPhone from showing a notification when the watch battery is fully charged
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Apple today released visionOS 2.5, the fifth update to the visionOS 2 operating system that came out in September. visionOS 2.5 comes a little over a month after the launch of visionOS 2.4.
visionOS 2.5 can be downloaded on all Vision Pro headsets by navigating to the Settings app, selecting the General section, and choosing the Software Update option.
With visionOS 2.5, Apple added a Vision tab to the Apple TV app to make it easier for users to find content created for the Vision Pro.
This release includes improvements and bug fixes, including a new Vision tab in the Apple TV app to easily discover and watch Apple Immersive Video and 3D movies available on Apple Vision Pro.
Apple today released tvOS 18.5, the latest version of the tvOS operating system. tvOS 18.5 comes a little over a month after the launch of tvOS 18.4, and it is available for the Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models.
tvOS 18.5 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the Apple TV. Open up Settings and go to System > Software Update to get the new software. Apple TV owners who have automatic software updates activated will be upgraded to the new version of tvOS automatically.
Apple shares full release notes for tvOS in its tvOS support document, which is updated after each new version of tvOS comes out.
Apple has also released a new version of the HomePod Software 18.5 for the HomePod and HomePod mini. HomePod software is based on tvOS.
In iOS and iPadOS, Apple includes an option for users to specify the Bluetooth accessories they connect using pre-defined individual labels.
Labeling your Bluetooth accessories helps to identify connected devices and improve audio notifications. Apple says that classifying Bluetooth accessories like this can also ensure that real-time Headphone Audio Level measurements are accurate.
When using headphones with an iPhone, for example, you can check the audio level in decibels by viewing the Hearing control in Control Center. In the Health app, you can also review the history of your headphone listening habits.
Apple provides five categories with which to label your Bluetooth accessories: Car Stereo, Headphone, Hearing Aid, Speaker, and Other. Here's how to access them.
Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Select Bluetooth.
Tap the info button (the encircled 'i') next to a Bluetooth device in the list that you want to label.
Tap Device Type.
Select a label if the accessory is not already correctly identified.
Note that iOS recognizes AirPods and AirPods Max as headphones, so there isn't an option to change their Bluetooth label. (The same goes for Apple Watch.) However, you can still change the name of Apple earphones and headphones as they appear in Bluetooth device lists.
A new documentary series hailing from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is coming to Apple TV+.
The eight-episode series "Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars" will follow elite chefs at some of the world's most celebrated restaurants, as they seek to win or maintain Michelin stars, the world's most prestigious culinary award.
The series will explore the high-stakes world of fine dining in cities such as Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, and Copenhagen. Adding to the suspense, Michelin's team of inspectors use false identities to dine anonymously.
The show will be hosted by award-winning food and travel expert, Jesse Burgess, and Ramsay will serve as one of the executive producers.
"There's no honor in any industry as prestigious and influential as the Michelin Star," said Burgess, in Apple's press release announcing the series today. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the stories of some of the most exciting restaurants in the world — as they throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at their obsessive quest for the ultimate award."
Ramsay is well known for his hit culinary shows like "Hell's Kitchen" and "Kitchen Nightmares."
"As a chef, the pursuit of perfection is everything, and you cannot underestimate the unbelievable drive and ambition, the determination and sacrifice these chefs are going through day in and day out, chasing the dream of acknowledgment from the Michelin Guide," said Ramsay.
Apple has yet to announce a release date for the series.
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Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Anker. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Our exclusive 20 percent off code works on most accessories sitewide, including Anker's new "high power" charging accessories. This exclusive discount code does not stack with existing discounts on Anker's website, but it can be used on multiple items in the same cart.
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If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
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Apple today shared a second trailer for its upcoming "F1" racing film, which will have a theatrical release via Warner Bros. Pictures.
In the underdog comeback film, Brad Pitt stars as an F1 driver who was an up-and-coming talent in the 1990s, until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, Pitt is invited to join a former teammate's struggling F1 team, in a last-shot bid to save the team and become the best in the world.
The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, who is known for other popular action films, including "Tron: Legacy" and "Top Gun: Maverick."
"F1" debuts in theaters on Friday, June 27, and it has the potential to be a summer blockbuster. It will be available to stream on Apple TV+ at a later date.
In the U.S., Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month, or $99 per year. The streaming service is available through the Apple TV app on a wide variety of devices, and on the web at tv.apple.com, with a free seven-day trial available.
Following more than a month of beta testing, Apple is expected to release iOS 18.5 to the general public this week. While the software update is relatively minor, it still includes a handful of new features and changes for iPhones.
Below, we recap everything new in iOS 18.5.
Pride Wallpaper
Apple recently announced its 2025 Pride Collection, including a new Apple Watch band, watch face, and a matching wallpaper for the iPhone and iPad.
The matching Pride Harmony wallpaper for the iPhone and iPad is available starting with iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5. Apple says the wallpaper features colorful stripes that change position as users move, lock, or unlock their devices.
These satellite services allow you to send and receive text messages when cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity is unavailable, in supported areas.
Apple's own satellite feature remains limited to iPhone 14 models and newer.
Screen Time Passcode Notifications
iOS 18.5 includes a useful change for the Screen Time parental feature.
Specifically, Apple says that parents will now receive a notification when their Screen Time passcode is successfully entered on their child's device.
This change will allow parents to be alerted immediately if their child has correctly guessed or figured out the Screen Time passcode, which can allow the child to turn off or adjust the restrictions that were set by their parents.
Screen Time launched in 2018 as part of iOS 12, providing parents with settings to remotely manage a child's device. For example, parents can restrict device usage to certain times, set time limits for apps, and block inappropriate content.
Mail and Settings Tweaks
In the Mail app, you can now easily turn off contact photos directly within the app, by tapping on the circle with three dots in the top-right corner.
iOS 18.5 also makes the "All Mail" button slightly visible on the screen, for users who might not have realized that you can scroll over to it.
In the Settings app, AppleCare+ coverage information is more prominent.
Release Notes
This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
A new Pride Harmony wallpaper
Parents now receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used on a child's device
Buy with iPhone is available when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on a 3rd party device
Fixes an issue where the Apple Vision Pro app may display a black screen
Support for carrier-provided satellite features is available on iPhone 13 (all models).
iOS 18.5 will be available in the Settings app under General → Software Update.
Apple today shared a trio of spooky "Mac to School" ads on its YouTube channels.
The videos highlight three useful Mac features for students, including AirDrop, iPhone Mirroring, and Apple Intelligence's Writing Tools.
AirDrop lets you quickly wirelessly transfer files between Apple devices, while iPhone Mirroring lets you control your iPhone from your Mac's desktop. Writing Tools can proofread and summarize your writing, and even generate text via ChatGPT.
Apple has also revamped the College Students page on its website in multiple countries.
"No matter what you study, ace it with Mac and iPad," the updated page says. "Count on superspeed, long battery life, and devices that work together easily — from your first class to graduation and beyond."
Apple is developing a new feature that will synchronize captive Wi-Fi portal login information across devices, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
The system will allow users to enter login details for captive Wi-Fi networks – commonly found in hotels, airports, and coffee shops – just once, then automatically sync that information across their iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.
"When you go to a new hotel, office building or gym, you're often asked to fill out a web form on all your devices before you can access the internet," Gurman reports. "This new feature will let you enter that information on one device and have it synched to your other products."
This time-saving addition should eliminate the frustration of repeatedly logging into the same network portal across multiple Apple devices.
Apple is reportedly readying the feature in time for WWDC 2025, suggesting it will likely arrive with iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16.
The cameras are expected to scan the environment and describe objects, similar to the Visual Intelligence feature on newer iPhones. Apple is also working on smart glasses that include cameras, microphones, and integrated AI, much like the Ray-Bans from Meta. The glasses are also expected by 2027, according to Gurman.
Apple is developing a new chip for the smart glasses, and it is said to be based on chips that are used in the Apple Watch, so there's likely to be AI feature crossover across the devices.
The cameras could be infrared sensors. In a June 2024 blog post, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple planned to mass produce new AirPods with infrared cameras by 2026. The infrared cameras could potentially enable "in-air gesture control" as well, allowing for device interaction with hand movements, according to Kuo.
Given Kuo's 2026 mass production timeframe, we could potentially see the new AirPods with infrared cameras launch in 2026 or 2027.
Apple is considering raising prices for its upcoming iPhone 17 models set to release this fall, according to people familiar with the matter cited by The Wall Street Journal.
The company reportedly aims to pair the potential price hikes with new features and design changes to justify the increased cost to consumers, rather than attributing them to U.S. tariffs on goods from China.
The U.S. and China recently agreed to suspend most tariffs imposed during their trade dispute, but a 20% tariff implemented by President Trump on Chinese goods remains in place and covers smartphones.
The WSJ report notes that Apple is particularly concerned about avoiding any appearance that price increases are directly related to tariffs. From the report:
The people familiar with the supply chain said Apple would have trouble making up for China tariff costs solely by seeking further savings from its suppliers, meaning a hit to its profit margin was likely unless it could raise prices.
At the same time, company executives are wary of blaming increases on tariffs. When a news report in April said Amazon might show the impact of tariffs to its shoppers, the White House called it a hostile act and Amazon quickly said the idea "was never approved and is not going to happen."
These circumstances have led Apple to look at what supply-chain insiders described as the least-bad choice: raising prices on the new iPhones to preserve profit and finding reasons other than tariffs to explain the move. It couldn't be determined what new features Apple may offer to help justify price increases.
Amid growing pressure over U.S.-China trade tensions, Apple has built up inventory and shifted manufacturing for the U.S. market to India. Apple CEO Tim Cook stated earlier this month that a majority of iPhones shipped to the U.S. in the April-June quarter would come from India.
However, Chinese factories will continue to handle most production for Apple's high-end Pro and Pro Max models, as India's infrastructure and technical capabilities aren't yet sufficient to support mass production at China's scale.
The upcoming iPhone lineup, expected to be called iPhone 17, is expected to include an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, which replaces the Plus model in Apple's lineup. Current iPhone models range from the base iPhone 16 starting at $799 to the iPhone 16 Pro Max at $1,199.
Apple will mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone X in 2027 by launching a mostly glass, curved iPhone without any cutouts in the display, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said the all-screen device will arrive later in 2027, suggesting a fall release. The model will be preceded by Apple's first foldable iPhone, claims the reporter.
As for what a "mostly glass, curved iPhone" means, Gurman didn't elaborate. Apple has been granted a patent for a possible future iPhone with a wraparound all-glass display, but it's not clear if that's what's being referred to.
Gurman last month described Apple's 20th anniversary iPhone as a "bold" new iPhone Pro model that makes more extensive use of glass. There was no direct reference to the device's display in that report, but there were already indications in Apple's development roadmap that the company was building up to a truly all-screen iPhone with no display cutout for its premium 20th anniversary model.
Since Gurman's April report, The Information's Wayne Ma has cited multiple sources who told him that at least one new iPhone model launching in 2027 will have a truly edge-to-edge display. Ma's reporting also revealed a new split-cycle iPhone launch roadmap, with Apple releasing the more expensive iPhone 18 Pro models in the fall of 2026 and delaying the release of the standard iPhone 18 until the spring.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has since corroborated Apple's split iPhone launch strategy. To our knowledge, Gurman has not explicitly reported any major change to the annual release cycle of Apple's flagship iPhone lineup.
As a stepping stone towards this all-screen design in 2027, The Information's Ma said that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be equipped with under-screen Face ID, with only a small pinhole remaining for the front camera on those devices.
Apple's first foldable iPhone will have a "nearly invisible" display crease and should be on the market by 2027, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said that some people at Apple consider the foldable iPhone to be one of two major two-decade anniversary initiatives – the other being a mostly glass, curved iPhone without any cutouts in the display, due later the same year.
Gurman's latest comments appear to indicate a shift in his position about the launch schedule of the foldable device. In March, Gurman said Apple's foldable iPhone could be arriving "as early as 2026." Then again in March, Gurman said: "I expect the company to launch its own foldable phone next year," suggesting his conviction had strengthened that 2026 would indeed be the year of the foldable iPhone.
In April, however, Gurman's reporting about the roadmap of Apple's foldable devices became more obscure. Describing a "major shake-up" for the iPhone's 20th anniversary in 2027, Gurman said that Apple plans to launch a foldable iPhone alongside a "bold" new iPhone Pro model that makes more extensive use of glass.
Given that Gurman had previously said he expects Apple's first foldable iPhone to be released next year, logic seemed to dictate that the "foldable version" he now said was coming in 2027 would be a second iteration of that model.
This no longer appears to be the case. Gurman did not give any explanation as to why his latest reporting has changed on the launch schedule of the foldable.
According to a recent report by The Information and a roadmap prediction by industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple does intend to launch its first foldable iPhone in the second half of next year, so there is still hope that, despite Gurman silently walking back his earlier reporting, we might get a foldable device from Apple as soon as 2026.
The device is expected to have a book-style design with a 5.7-inch outer display when closed and an inner display close to eight inches when open. As for pricing, Gurman expects the device to be around $2,000.
Update: Gurman has since clarified his position on the foldable iPhone's launch timing, saying his column "is talking about items that will either launch or be in market for 2027. It'll launch end of '26 and sell mostly in '27."
Amazon this weekend is discounting a collection of Beats headphones and speakers, including an all-time low price on the Powerbeats Pro 2. You can get this new 2025 model for $199.95 in all four colors, down from $249.99. This deal on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is being matched at Best Buy, along with a few other Beats deals.
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This sale also includes major discounts on products like the Beats Pill, which has hit $99.95 on Amazon, down from $149.95. This discount is available in five colors of the Bluetooth speaker.
Additionally, Amazon has the Beats Studio Buds+ for $99.95, down from $169.95. These have up to 9 hours of playback (up to 36 hours with charging case), USB-C, active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance.
You'll also find a few steep discounts on over-ear headphones, like the Beats Studio Pro at $169.95, down from $349.99. Many of these deals are matches for the record low price on each pair of headphones.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
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Amazon's steep discount on the AirPods Pro 2 is still available this weekend, with the earbuds available for $169.00, down from $249.00. Free delivery options provide an estimated delivery date of around May 15, while Prime members should get the headphones sooner in most cases.
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Compared to past sales, this is a match of the best price we've tracked so far in 2025 and it's an overall solid second-best price on the AirPods Pro 2. Amazon also has the AirPods 4 available for $99.00 during this sale, an all-time low price.
In addition to AirPods discounts on Amazon, this weekend there's a big sale at Best Buy with notable discounts on iPad mini 7, M3 iPad Air, M4 MacBook Air, Apple Pencil Pro, Powerbeats Pro 2, and much more. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
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With Apple's developer conference where it will show off iOS 19 just a month away, the company is wrapping up work on iOS 18.5 ahead of an imminent release to deliver a few new features and updates.
This week also saw a number of iPhone-related rumors, encompassing not only this year's iPhone 17 lineup but also Apple's plans for 2026 and 2027, even as Apple's Eddy Cue suggested AI could make the iPhone obsolete within a decade, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!
Here Are Apple's Full iOS 18.5 Release Notes
The release of iOS 18.5 and related operating system updates appears imminent, as Apple this week seeded release candidate versions of them for final testing.
We've still got months to go before the new iPhone 17 models come out, but a combination of dummy models and leaks have given us some insight into what we can expect in terms of camera changes, so be sure to check out what we're expecting with the iPhone 17, "iPhone 17 Air," iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Apple Plans Split iPhone Launch Strategy: Pro and Foldable in Fall 2026, Standard in Spring 2027
Apple's traditional September iPhone launch will reportedly see a shakeup in 2026 when a foldable device is added to the lineup, with Apple reportedly aiming to release the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Air, and a new foldable iPhone at that time while holding the cheaper iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models for a spring 2027 debut.
It's been nearly two months since the M4 MacBook Air launched, so we thought we'd take another look at the machine now that it's been out long enough to do some serious testing with it.
Introduced in March, the MacBook Air is equipped with Apple's latest and greatest M4 chip, so it's more than capable of handling day-to-day tasks from web browsing and watching videos to getting work done. It's even powerful enough for photo editing and some light video editing work.
That late 2027 iPhone release cycle may also see an "iPhone 19 Air" with a larger screen size than the 6.6-inch display we're expecting with the first Air model coming later this year.
Apple's Eddy Cue: AI Could Replace iPhone in 10 Years
As part of his testimony in the ongoing Google antitrust trial, Apple's Eddy Cue acknowledged that AI is advancing so rapidly that it could lead to the iPhone becoming obsolete within ten years. With AI making its way into wearables and other devices, we'll be able to do more and more without the need for a traditional smartphone.
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
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Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
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