Charles EstherApple has just rolled out the third developer beta for iOS 18.5, and while it doesn’t bring any game-changing features, it introduces a few small tweaks that may improve the overall user experience.
This update seems focused primarily on bug fixes and performance enhancements, with bigger changes expected later in the year with the release of iOS 19.
What’s New in iOS 18.5 Beta 3?
Though it’s a relatively lightweight update, iOS 18.5 beta 3 offers some changes worth mentioning.
Below are the two notable additions found in this latest release:
1. Improved AppleCare+ Section in Settings
One of the key changes in iOS 18.5 beta 3 can be found in the Settings app.
Apple has added a more prominent AppleCare+ banner at the top of the page dedicated to Apple’s warranty service.
This makes it easier for users to access AppleCare+ options and information about their device’s coverage.
Additionally, there is now more detailed information available on AppleCare+ for each product registered under your Apple account, making it simpler to find all the details related to your warranty and service options.
2. Mail App: Disable Contact Photos in Inbox
Another small but useful feature in iOS 18.5 beta 3 is the ability to disable contact photos in your Mail inbox.
Previously, users had to dig through Mail’s settings to toggle this feature, but now it can be easily found by tapping the three-dot button in the top-right corner of the Mail app.
From there, you can select the option to show or hide contact photos, which can help declutter your inbox, especially if you don’t need the extra visuals.
A Minor Update with Bug Fixes
iOS 18.5 beta 3 doesn’t introduce any groundbreaking changes, so if you were hoping for major feature updates, this release might feel underwhelming.
In fact, the update is likely focused on fixing bugs and improving system performance.
Apple has been gradually ironing out issues with earlier versions, and this beta release is a continuation of that trend.
One such example is iOS 18.4.1, which has already been made available to the public.
This version is focused on resolving a variety of bugs, including a CarPlay issue that caused problems for many users with in-car entertainment systems.
What’s Coming in iOS 19?
Looking ahead, the spotlight now shifts to iOS 19, which is expected to be announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025.
The upcoming update is rumored to bring significant changes, including a design overhaul and a range of exciting new features.
Apple seems to be saving its most substantial updates for iOS 19, which likely explains the relatively quiet iOS 18.5 cycle.
The lack of major updates in the current iOS 18.5 beta suggests that Apple is reserving its resources for the much-anticipated release later this year.
As such, it’s expected that more substantial updates and features will roll out with iOS 19, which should bring a wave of excitement for users looking for new functionalities and a fresh design.
Conclusion: A Quiet Period Before Big Changes
Overall, iOS 18.5 beta 3 doesn’t make much noise but offers some small improvements that could make a difference in daily use, especially if you rely heavily on AppleCare+ or manage a busy inbox.
However, with the highly anticipated iOS 19 release just around the corner, it’s clear that Apple is preparing for a much larger update that will take center stage in the coming months.
As we await more details on iOS 19, users will likely continue seeing bug fixes and minor updates in the iOS 18.5 cycle, keeping the system stable until the next major overhaul arrives.
