IOS 18.5 RC is already among us. This launch puts the ours of an iOS 18 that has been spectacular, with the arrival of Apple Intelligence and important changes in the control center and the customization of the icons. And although iOS 19 is already just around the corner (just one month after being presented), this RC of iOS 18.5 shows whatE Apple keeps polishing the experience until the last moment.
And while it is true that iOS 18.6 will arrive after this version, by then iOS 19 will have already been presented and will play a role in the background. With error corrections and safety bugs especially focused on devices that will not be compatible with the new version. Until then … what does iOS 18.5 rc bring? As we will see, it is much more than a simple maintenance update.
What does RC mean and when the final version of iOS 18.5 arrives?
Before going into details, let’s clarify what this RC is. The acronym “RC” means “Release candidate.” That is, it is The candidate version to be the final. In practical terms, it is the last beta before the official launch. And, unless serious errors are identical, it will be identical to the version that will reach all users.
The good news is that the final version of iOS 18.5 for all users should be available in a week. If we follow previous calendars, it is possible that the Monday, May 12 The final version of iOS 18.5 is launched for the entire general public.
The novelties that iOS 18.5 RC brings
With iOS 19 in view for June at WWDC, this version comes to consolidate everything we have seen in iOS 18 and add some interesting points.
More customizable mail
The Mail application received an important redesign with iOS 18.4 thanks to Apple Intelligence. With iOS 18.5 it is much easier to customize. With a simple touch in the three points of the upper right corner, you can now: activate or deactivate contact photos and choose the type of view, if by categories or in the list.
AppleCare rises to La Luz
In this version of iOS 18.5, Apple has improved the visibility of the Applecare coverage of our devices. In Ajustes > General > AppleCare And guarantee you will find a new banner with the Applecare logo that allows you to consult your coverage at a glance. In addition, when you enter your Apple account and select one of your devices, you will see a new specific AppleCare section with options to manage your plan if you have a subscription.
New Wallpaper
Coinciding with this RC of iOS 18.5, Apple has presented its collection “Pride 2025”, which includes:
-- A new belt Pride Edition Sport Band with rainbow stripes that vary in sizes and shapes, hand assembled. You can buy online for 49 euros and will reach physical stores next week.
- The iOS 18.5 update brings a New Wallpaper which changes subtly when blocking and unlocking the iPhone. There is also a new sphere for the Apple Watch in the corresponding RC of Watchos 11.5.
What really impresses with iOS 18.5 is its performance
If there is something that stands out in this RC of iOS 18.5 it is how the iPhone feels when using it. And, after weeks trying iOS 18.5, and now with the arrival of the RC, Everything flows with incredible softness. In addition, something interesting: after installing the RC, my iPhone again downloaded the complete Apple Intelligence package. This usually occurs when there are important updates in internal models, although the changes are not immediately visible. An indication that there is Many improvements under the hood that enhance the experience.
With iOS 18.5 RC, Apple shows us that it has managed to take iOS 18 to an enviable refinement level. And this is especially impressive considering that Most of the development team (probably more than 80 %) is focused on iOS 19. If with limited resources they have obtained both iOS 18, the expectations for iOS 19 are very high. We know that Apple is preparing an important redesign, and the base that leaves iOS 18.5 is excellent to build on it.
How to install iOS 18.5 RC right now
If you want to try all these improvements without waiting for the final version, you can install the RC following these steps:
If you are already in the betas program
Go to adjustments> General> Software update. The RC will appear automatically to download and install.
If you are not in the betas program but you want to join
Visit Beta.apple.com from your iPhone and log in with your Apple ID. Touch “register your device” and follow the instructions. Once registered, go to settings> General> Software update> Beta updates. Select “iOS 18 public beta”. Return to software update and RC will appear to install.
Installing a public beta on the iPhoneThe version of public beta may take a few more hours to appearbut it should arrive between today, May five or six, as it has been in previous versions. While we hope the arrival of iOS 19 in June, this update Leave with a very good mouth flavor about what IOS 18 has achieved during its life cycle.
In applesfera | New iOS 19 – Everything we think about the new operating system of the iPhone
In applesfera | New iPhone 17 – Everything we think about knowing about them
