Apple has officially released iOS 18.5 Beta 2 to developers, continuing its steady cadence of beta releases ahead of the expected public launch in May.
Although this update doesn't introduce groundbreaking features, it brings several UI adjustments, performance improvements, and bug fixes that refine the experience introduced in iOS 18.4.
Release Information
iOS 18.5 Beta 2 is now available for all devices compatible with iOS 18.
The update weighs in at approximately 1.02 GB on devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and comes with build number 22F5053F, indicating that Apple is still a few beta versions away from a final release.
A modem firmware update is also included, upgrading from version 1.54.01 to 1.60.00 on supported iPhone 16 models. This could bring improvements to cellular connectivity and network stability.
This beta was released alongside updates across Apple's ecosystem, including iPadOS 18.5 Beta 2, watchOS 11.5 Beta 2, macOS Sequoia 15.5 Beta 2, and others.
Key Updates
Mail App Enhancements
The Mail app receives minor but notable UI refinements:
- The ability to show or hide contact photos is now accessible directly within the Mail app, streamlining customization without needing to dive into system settings.
Apple News+ Food Splash Screen
A new splash screen has been added to highlight the Food section within Apple News+, introduced in iOS 18.4 Beta 1.
While the section was already present, this visual prompt helps improve feature visibility for subscribers.
AppleCare and Warranty UI Fix
The AppleCare & Warranty section under Settings > General now loads correctly with a redesigned layout.
The updated interface includes a new top banner and clearer access to benefit details.
Photos App Reversion
Apple has once again removed the "Recover All" and "Delete All" buttons from the Recently Deleted album in Photos.
These controls had returned in earlier betas but are now absent in Beta 2—likely a design reconsideration rather than a bug.
Performance and Bug Fixes
System Stability and Responsiveness
- Touch sensitivity issues observed in Beta 1 appear to be resolved.
- RAM management has improved significantly—users report being able to open multiple apps without forced reloads.
- Micro stutters noted in previous builds seem to have been eliminated, enhancing overall fluidity.
Battery and Thermal Behavior
- Battery life remains under observation but early reports suggest similar or slightly improved endurance compared to Beta 1.
- Devices may feel warm post-installation due to background processing; however, temperatures are within normal ranges (~30°C).
Bug Fixes
- AirPods Max: Lossless audio over USB-C now functions as intended.
- Dictation: Crashes caused by multilingual dictation inputs have been addressed.
- AppleCare Page: Now displays correctly with updated UI components.
- StoreKit & Writing Tools: Several developer-facing bugs have been resolved.
- Notification Center: Still shows occasional jitteriness; no fix yet.
- CarPlay: Intermittent disconnection issues remain unconfirmed as resolved.
Editor's Comments
iOS 18.5 Beta 2 is a textbook example of Apple's attention to refinement near the end of a software cycle.
With iOS 19 development confirmed and WWDC2025 is approaching, major features are unlikely from this point forward.
Instead, Apple is using these betas to stabilize the platform and resolve long-standing bugs—especially those affecting developers and system-level APIs.
The return of subtle UI changes in Mail and the removal of Photos batch actions suggest ongoing experimentation with user experience design across apps.
Meanwhile, improvements in RAM management and battery health recalibration hint at deeper system optimizations that benefit daily use.
Looking ahead, Beta 3 is expected during the week of April 21 as Apple likely shifts to a weekly beta schedule.
The final version of iOS 18.5 could arrive in early-to-mid May—just ahead of WWDC on June 9, where iOS 19 will be unveiled with what's rumored to be a major redesign.
Follow Us on Facebook
