On Monday, Apple unveiled the iOS 18.5 Developer Beta 2 update for iPhones, targeting developers and beta testers. This latest release is mainly a refinement, lacking significant new features. It builds on the iOS 18.5 Developer Beta 1 update that rolled out earlier this month, focusing on resolving various bugs associated with the Apple Vision Pro app, StoreKit, Writing Tools, among others. Through these beta updates, the company encourages developers to adapt their applications in accordance with the new features and test them against any API modifications.
iOS 18.5 Developer Beta 2 Update: What’s New
According to Apple’s release notes, the iOS 18.5 Developer Beta 2 addresses an issue impacting the Apple Vision Pro app. Initially launched alongside the iOS 18.4 update, this app facilitates users in downloading apps and games, exploring media, and receiving tips for using the spatial headset. Users previously encountered a problem where the app launched with a black screen when downloaded from the App Store. Although this issue was initially resolved in the first beta, this latest update rectifies it on devices still experiencing the problem.
Additionally, the update tackles a known issue regarding the availability of C APIs within the hvf framework, which was not being adequately verified.
Another improvement includes fixing a bug where the isEligibleForIntroOffer(for:) function incorrectly returned false for users not signed into their devices when using StoreKit, the framework that supports features and services for apps and in-app purchases on the App Store. Furthermore, a bug affecting text attributes in Apple’s frameworks when utilizing NSWritingToolsCoordinator or UIWritingToolsCoordinator properties has also been corrected.
As we look ahead to WWDC 2025, it is anticipated that Apple will shift its focus more towards the forthcoming iOS 19 and related updates, rather than introducing new features for the ongoing iOS 18 cycle.
