iOS 18.5 and macOS Sequoia 15.5 Public Betas Now Available: What’s New and Should You Update?

🚀 iOS 18.5 and macOS Sequoia 15.5 Public Betas Now Available:

What’s New and Should You Update?

Apple has just rolled out the second public beta versions of iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, and macOS Sequoia 15.5, giving users early access to upcoming features and fixes before the official launch. This follows the release of the third developer beta just a day prior and signals that Apple is inching closer to a full release—likely slated for May 2025.

If you're part of Apple’s public beta program, you can download the update directly via the Settings app, once you've opted in through the Apple Beta Software Program. Whether you’re curious about performance tweaks or just like being ahead of the curve, this update, though minor, is still worth exploring.

🔍 What’s New in iOS 18.5 and macOS Sequoia 15.5?

While iOS 18.5 and macOS Sequoia 15.5 don't come with groundbreaking new features, they do deliver a few small but useful changes—along with vital under-the-hood improvements.

✉️ Mail App Tweaks for iOS 18.5

One of the most noticeable updates is in the Mail app on iOS. Apple has added options that allow users to:

• Toggle off Contact Photos

• Disable Group by Sender

These settings offer a cleaner and more minimal Mail interface—more in line with what users were accustomed to in iOS 17. For those who found the contact photo display in emails distracting, this small tweak brings welcome relief.

🛠️ AppleCare Info Refinements

Apple also made subtle improvements to how AppleCare coverage details are displayed within the device settings. It’s easier to see what’s covered and what’s not—streamlining support and repair clarity for users.

🔒 Focus on Stability, Bug Fixes, and Security

As with most “.5” updates, iOS 18.5 and macOS Sequoia 15.5 appear to primarily address bug fixes, security patches, and general performance improvements. These updates may not dazzle with flashy new features, but they’re essential for maintaining a stable and secure Apple ecosystem—especially ahead of bigger releases like iOS 19 and macOS Sequoia 16 expected later this year.

🗓️ When Is the Final Release Expected?

Apple typically releases updates about a month after public beta availability. Based on the current rollout timeline, we can expect the official versions of iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, and macOS Sequoia 15.5 to drop sometime in May 2025.

📲 Should You Install the Public Beta?

If you're comfortable with beta software and want early access to new features and enhancements, iOS 18.5 and macOS Sequoia 15.5 are safe bets—especially since they’re relatively minor. However, if your device is mission-critical, you may want to wait for the final release to avoid potential bugs.