Apple has released iOS 18.5 Beta 3 to developers, continuing the refinement cycle for iOS 18 ahead of the anticipated iOS 19 debut at WWDC 2025.
While this update doesn't introduce major new features, it delivers several notable enhancements, bug fixes, and performance optimizations.
Release Information
iOS 18.5 Beta 3 is now available for all devices compatible with iOS 18.
The update comes in at approximately 956 MB on the iPhone 16 Pro Max and carries the build number 22F5053J.
Notably, this version includes a modem firmware update (from version 1.6.00 to 1.6.02), aimed at improving cellular connectivity and stability. Carrier settings have also been updated to version 64.0 for many users.
Alongside iOS, Apple also released beta updates for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, HomePod OS, and visionOS—underscoring a broader ecosystem-wide refinement effort.
Key Updates
RCS Messaging Expansion
RCS (Rich Communication Services) support has expanded in iOS 18.5 Beta 3, now active on select networks in India including Jio and Airtel.
This marks a continued rollout of RCS features globally, enhancing messaging capabilities beyond SMS and MMS.
Apple Mail UI
The Mail app receives subtle UI improvements, including clearer category indicators and new options in the three-dot menu such as "Show Priority" and "Show Contact Photos", which aim to improve message organization and user interaction.
Vision Pro App Update
A new update to the Apple Vision Pro's Spatial Gallery app allows users to explore immersive content like a behind-the-scenes experience of the show Ted Lasso.
This reflects Apple's push toward spatial computing content integration across platforms.
Apple News+ Splash Screen
A new splash screen highlights the recently added cooking section in Apple News+, showcasing access to over 70,000 premium recipes from various publications.
Performance and Bug Fixes
Connectivity Fixes
The modem firmware and carrier updates are expected to improve call quality and data performance.
Users have also reported better performance with AirDrop and more stable RCS functionality.
System Stability
iOS 18.5 Beta 3 shows smoother animations and improved RAM management across devices, including older models like the iPhone 11.
Scrolling performance and app launch speeds have been optimized, particularly in first-party apps like Weather and Settings.
Battery Life and Heat Management
Compared to previous betas, Beta 3 exhibits better thermal efficiency and slightly improved battery life.
While earlier builds were criticized for high power drain—especially on Apple Watch—this version appears more balanced.
AppleCare UI Fixes
- The AppleCare & Warranty section now loads properly after being broken in previous builds.
- The interface has been redesigned for clarity, and users can now see coverage details without error.
Genmoji & Siri Improvements
Genmoji creation is functioning reliably again, although some design quirks remain.
Type to Siri has also seen stability improvements.
Removed Features
A previously tested "Delete All" option in the Photos app's Recently Deleted folder has been removed again in this beta, suggesting Apple is still evaluating its inclusion.
Remaining Issues
The wallpaper saturation bug persists for some users, though its severity appears reduced.
Additionally, some minor bugs still exist in AppleCare menus and third-party app integrations.
Editor's Comments
iOS 18.5 Beta 3 continues Apple’s trend of polishing the user experience ahead of major OS transitions.
With iOS 19 set to debut at WWDC on June 9, this beta likely represents one of the final updates in the iOS 18 cycle. The most meaningful changes here are under the hood—modem improvements, expanded RCS support, and UI refinements across native apps.
Compared to iOS 18.3, which introduced new features like robot vacuum support in the Home app, iOS 18.5 is clearly focused on stability rather than innovation.
That said, these backend improvements are crucial for ensuring a seamless transition to iOS 19 later this year.
If Apple maintains its current weekly release cadence, Beta 4 could arrive as soon as April 28, with a Release Candidate (RC) potentially landing by May 5 or May 12. The final public release of iOS 18.5 is expected just ahead of WWDC.
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