Apple’s iOS 18.5 is now available for all iPhone users. As with every release, one question is sure to pop up: Should I update to iOS 18.5? If you’re unsure whether to install the latest version, let me make it easy for you — yes, it’s absolutely worth it. Here’s why:
1. 30+ Security Fixes
One of the key reasons to update to iOS 18.5 is its strong focus on enhancing security. The update patches over 30 security vulnerabilities across Apple’s first-party apps and system components, including Bluetooth, FaceTime, Call History, and more.
The most critical patches include:
- Bluetooth Security: A Core Bluetooth vulnerability (CVE-2025-31212) could be exploited by an app to access sensitive user data.
- Notes App Issues: iOS 18.5 patches two vulnerabilities in the Notes app. One of the now-patched security flaws allowed attackers to view notes from the Lock Screen, while the other could expose deleted call recordings.
- Baseband Flaw: The iPhone 16e is the first product to feature an Apple-designed modem, C1. The iOS 18.5 update fixes a serious baseband flaw (CVE-2025-31214) where “an attacker in a privileged network position may be able to intercept network traffic.”
- Other Fixes: Apple also addresses security flaws in Call History, FaceTime, CoreAudio, AppleJPEG, and other components.
These security fixes protect your iPhone and personal data from various potential threats.
You can find the complete details about iOS 18.5 security fixes on Apple’s website.
2. Bug Fixes
Like most updates, iOS 18.5 also focuses on bug fixes and improvements. It fixes a bug that displayed a black screen on the new Apple Vision Pro app released with iOS 18.4. This issue primarily affected Vision Pro users during app launches or transitions. Alongside this fix, Apple also addressed several other behind-the-scenes bugs with this update.
3. New Features
In addition to security and bug fixes, iOS 18.5 adds some interesting new features. Here’s a quick rundown:
- A new Pride Harmony Wallpaper that features dynamic, colorful stripes that change as you move, lock, or unlock your device.
- Screen Time Alerts will send a notification to parents when the child successfully enters the Screen Time passcode.
- The Mail app now offers easier access to the “All Mail” view and lets you toggle Contact Photos directly from within the app.
- Buy with iPhone now lets you use your iPhone to authorize payments securely, even on third-party devices like smart TVs or streaming sticks.
- Back Tap will now show a visual banner to confirm that your tap was registered.
4. Carrier-Provided Satellite Features to iPhone 13
If you own an iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, or 13 Pro Max, iOS 18.5 will allow you to access satellite messaging through select carriers. To use this feature, you need a satellite phone plan with a compatible carrier. In the U.S., only T-Mobile currently offers this feature through the Starlink satellite network. More carriers are likely to roll out similar services in the future.
iOS 18.5 Hands-on Experience
In my testing, iOS 18.5 has been a reliable and stable update. I haven’t encountered any bugs, glitches, or lag in my everyday use. The apps feel responsive, system animations and transitions are smooth, and overall performance feels snappy. Also, I haven’t experienced any battery drain on either my iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 12.
Overall, iOS 18.5 is a well-rounded update. With important security fixes, subtle performance improvements, and new features, updating to iOS 18.5 is well worth it.
How to Get iOS 18.5
Here’s how to install iOS 18.5 on your compatible iPhone:
- Open the Settings app and tap General.
- Tap Software Update. If you see the iOS 18.5 banner, tap Update Now.
