Apple is poised to launch iOS 18.5 to users within the next few days, following the rollout of the iOS 18.5 release candidate to beta testers earlier this week. This imminent update is set to bring a number of enhancements to the Apple TV app on non-Apple devices as well as updates to the Screen Time feature on iOS. Additionally, support for satellite features has been introduced for iPhone 13 users through selected network providers.
New Features and Modifications in iOS 18.5 Release Candidate
The changelog released by Apple for the iOS 18.5 release candidate, which was made available to testers on Monday, outlines several forthcoming enhancements. Among these is a notable addition to Screen Time: parents will receive notifications whenever the passcode used to manage controls is entered on their child’s device. This feature is designed to alert parents if their child successfully guesses the Screen Time passcode, allowing them to bypass parental controls.
Moreover, the update brings satellite connectivity to select models of the iPhone 13 series. It’s important to note that this connectivity is carrier-based, distinct from the Globalstar-powered satellite features available on iPhone 14 and newer models. For instance, T-Mobile customers in the United States will have access to satellite connectivity through Starlink Direct, provided by SpaceX.
In another enhancement, Apple is streamlining the purchasing process on the Apple TV app for users on third-party devices. With the new “Buy with iPhone” option, users can conveniently complete transactions using their smartphones.
The forthcoming iOS 18.5 update also aims to resolve an issue identified in the previous iOS 18.4 update, which introduced a new Apple Vision Pro app for users of the Vision Pro spatial computer. The bug in question caused a black screen to appear during the app’s usage, an issue Apple has noted it will address in this update.
Additionally, the upcoming version of iOS 18.5 will feature a new Pride Harmony wallpaper, which is already included in the latest release candidate. Users can look forward to experiencing these new features and improvements upon the stable release, which could occur as soon as next week, provided that Apple does not issue a subsequent release candidate.
