Apple Beta 3: iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, watchOS 11.5, macOS 15.5, tvOS 18.5
Apple Releases Third Beta of iOS 18.5, Updates Other OS Platforms
Table of Contents
- Apple Releases Third Beta of iOS 18.5, Updates Other OS Platforms
- Apple iOS 18.5 beta 3: Your Questions Answered
- What’s new in iOS 18.5 Beta 3?
- What are the key changes in this update?
- How do I disable contact photos in the Mail app?
- What improvements were made to AppleCare+ settings?
- When is iOS 18.5 expected to be released to the public?
- Is this a major update, or a stabilization update?
- Are there any major new features planned for iOS 18.5?
- What other operating systems are also receiving updates?
- Summary of Key Changes in iOS 18.5 Beta 3
Cupertino, California – Apple on Monday, April 21, 2025, released the third beta version of iOS 18.5 to developers. Alongside the iPhone update, Apple also seeded the third beta for iPadOS 18.5, watchOS 11.5, macOS 15.5, and tvOS 18.5.
iOS 18.5 Beta 3: Focus on Minor Enhancements
The latest iOS 18.5 beta focuses on minor changes, primarily concentrated on the Mail app and AppleCare+ settings.
Mail App: Enhanced Control Over Visual Details
For users of the default Mail app on iPhones, the update brings a new customization option. Users can now disable contact photos that appear next to messages. While some find this feature helpful, others may prefer a cleaner interface. To disable contact photos, users can open the Mail app, tap the circle with the three dots in the upper right corner, and select the option to deactivate the photos.

AppleCare+ Settings: Improved Visibility
The Settings app now features more prominent and accessible information regarding applecare+ coverage. The placement of the AppleCare+ details has been improved, allowing users to more easily check their warranty status and available support services.

Expected release Date
While still in the beta testing phase, iOS 18.5 is expected to be released to the general public in May, preceding the launch of the next major iOS generation.
Stabilization and Future Features
Sources indicate that iOS 18.5 is primarily a stabilization update rather than a major overhaul. Complex features, such as Apple Intelligence, are anticipated to be introduced later, perhaps with the iOS 19 cycle.
Apple iOS 18.5 beta 3: Your Questions Answered
What’s new in iOS 18.5 Beta 3?
Apple released the third beta of iOS 18.5 on April 21, 2025. This update focuses primarily on minor enhancements,rather than a major overhaul of features.
What are the key changes in this update?
The primary areas of focus in iOS 18.5 Beta 3 are:
Mail app: Enhanced control over visual details, specifically the ability to disable contact photos.
AppleCare+ Settings: Improved visibility and accessibility of AppleCare+ coverage facts within the Settings app.
How do I disable contact photos in the Mail app?
To disable contact photos in the Mail app on your iPhone:
- Open the Mail app.
- Tap the circle wiht the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Select the option to deactivate contact photos.
What improvements were made to AppleCare+ settings?
The Settings app now provides more prominent and accessible information regarding AppleCare+ coverage. Users can now more easily check their warranty status and available support services.
When is iOS 18.5 expected to be released to the public?
iOS 18.5 is expected to be released to the general public in May, preceding the launch of the next major iOS generation (iOS 19).
Is this a major update, or a stabilization update?
Sources indicate that iOS 18.5 is primarily a stabilization update. This means its focus is on improving the existing system’s stability and performance rather than including major new features.
Are there any major new features planned for iOS 18.5?
Based on the provided information, no major new features are expected with iOS 18.5. Features like Apple Intelligence are anticipated to be introduced later, possibly with the release of iOS 19.
What other operating systems are also receiving updates?
Alongside iOS 18.5, Apple also released the third beta versions of:
iPadOS 18.5
watchOS 11.5
macOS 15.5
tvOS 18.5.
Summary of Key Changes in iOS 18.5 Beta 3
Here’s a rapid overview:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mail App | Option to disable contact photos in the Mail app’s settings. |
| AppleCare+ | Improved visibility of AppleCare+ coverage information within the Settings app. |
| Overall | Primarily a stabilization update focusing on minor enhancements. |
