In May 2025, Apple has released the iOS 18.5 update for iPhone users, which comes with security fixes, improved performance and some new features. This update not only gives new life to older iPhone models but also strengthens user privacy and device security. If you are an iPhone user, then this update is worth installing immediately. Let’s know in detail what’s new in iOS 18.5 and how you can install it on your device.
Security Improvements: Strong Shield to Protect Against Hackers
In the iOS 18.5 update, Apple has fixed more than 30 security flaws, which are very important for the security of the device. These include WebKit (Safari’s engine), kernel-level issues, and potential threats in apps like Messages and Photos. The company has warned that some of these flaws can be exploited by hackers, leading to problems like unauthorized access to the device, data theft or malware installation. Therefore, Apple has advised all users to update immediately.
Apart from this, privacy settings have also been upgraded in iOS 18.5. Now users will get more transparent notifications when apps use location or microphone data, giving them better control over their digital security.
Older iPhone models get new vigor
As revealed by Apple in security content of iOS 18.5, the latest iOS 18.5 brings good news iPhone 13 users. In this update, special attention has been given to system optimization, which has improved the speed and responsiveness of the device. Apps will launch faster due to improvements in memory management, and the problem of battery drain due to apps running in the background has also been reduced.
Users of the new iPhone 16 series will also benefit from this update, as thermal management has been fixed in it. Now the device will not heat up too much while doing heavy tasks like gaming or video editing.
Satellite connectivity for iPhone 13 users: Will help even without network
The biggest feature of iOS 18.5 is that it adds satellite connectivity support for iPhone 13 models (iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max). As reported by Sarah Perez on Tech Crunch, This feature was previously limited to iPhone 14 and newer models only. Through this, users can send text messages or use the emergency SOS service even when there is no cellular or Wi-Fi network.
Currently, this feature is available under T-Mobile’s Starlink beta program and works only in select regions (especially the US). However, it has some limitations – such as satellite messaging speed is slow, photos or videos cannot be sent in it, and it requires a clear view of the sky.
New wallpaper and screen time improvements for Pride Month
Apple celebrates Pride Month (June) every year with special wallpapers and accessories. This time a new dynamic wallpaper called “Pride Harmony” has been added to iOS 18.5, which reflects the colors and unity of the LGBTQ+ community. This wallpaper is available for both the lock screen and the home screen and gradually changes its colors over time.
Apart from this, some changes have also been made to the screen time settings. Now parents can more easily manage app limits for children and schedule downtime for specific apps. Also, app usage reports will now provide detailed information according to categories like social media, productivity.
How to update iOS 18.5?
Apple has rolled out the iOS 18.5 and you can get its download link in the notification area or you can go to phone’s settings and check for software update as we have explained below:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Navigate to General > Software Update
- Tap Download and Install
- Ensure your device is connected to high-speed Wi-Fi internet or Mobile Data.
- Restart the device, and you have successfully updated iPhone to iOS 18.5.
While updated the iPhone to latest iOS, keep in mind that charge the device (at least 50%) or connect to a power source and use Wi-Fi. The iOS 18.5 update size is around 1.38GB and make sure do not forget to back up to iCloud or computer to avoid data loss.
Conclusion
The iOS 18.5 update is an important upgrade for iPhone users, offering a great mix of security, performance, and new features. In particular, support for satellite connectivity is a big step for iPhone 13 users. If you are serious about the security and speed of your device, then install this update as soon as possible. In the coming time, Apple may bring more new features with iOS 18.6 and iOS 19, but for now you can make your iPhone even better by updating to iOS 18.5.
