The upcoming iOS 18.5 will be a modest update that will still manage to patch a few real annoyances. Prolific Apple expert, Mark Gurman, called it a "house-cleaning release" in his latest report, as well as the kind of spring tune-up Apple likes to push out just before its June developer conference. iOS 18.5 is already out in its release-candidate stage and should reach iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Vision Pro headsets within days.
The change Gurman highlights first is a Mail fix. When Apple introduced its AI filtered inbox last fall, it tucked the All Mail button behind an awkward swipe, forcing users to hunt for it every time they wanted an unfiltered view. iOS 18.5 moves that button back to the main toolbar. Gurman thinks that tiny decision will please power users who never warmed up to the Priority, Transactions, and Promotions tabs.
Apple released the Release Candidate version of iOS 18.5. earlier this week. | Image credit — PhoneArena
He also points to a handful of small perks aimed at goodwill. There is a new Pride Harmony wallpaper with shifting rainbow bands, and parents get an extra Screen Time safeguard that pings them whenever kids override bedtime limits. Gurman calls both features tasteful, simple ways to show Apple is listening to feedback.
Gurman’s newsletter spends a chunk of space on Vision Pro, too. He notes that visionOS 2.0 finally adds an Immersive and 3D tab to the TV app, making it far easier to find spatial movies. He labels the omission in version 1.0 "strange," but says the fix should quiet early complaints from headset owners.
Over on Apple TV boxes and compatible smart TVs, users will soon be able to approve movie rentals with Face ID on a nearby iPhone instead of typing a password. Gurman describes it as the sort of low-friction tweak that wins quiet applause during keynotes.
Why burn effort on these nips and tucks? Gurman argues they serve two goals. First, they keep the ecosystem feeling alive while everyone waits for bigger changes. Second, they clear the deck for WWDC 2025, where Apple is rumored to reveal a new design language and deeper Apple Intelligence tie-ins.
Gurman’s read is that Apple cannot afford another year of promising grand AI features that arrive late or not at all. iOS 18.5, then, is both a goodwill gesture and a reminder that the clock is ticking for something truly fresh. We will have to wait and see what Apple will announce at WWDC to see what's next for the company as far as its software is concerned.
Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: