Apple has unveiled the public beta of iOS 18.5, offering iPhone users a glimpse into the latest refinements of its mobile operating system. This update emphasizes user experience enhancements, focusing on subtle yet impactful changes that cater to individual preferences and streamline daily interactions.
Mail App Enhancements
A significant update in iOS 18.5 is the introduction of customizable contact photos within the Mail app. Users now have the flexibility to toggle contact photos on or off directly from the app’s menu. This feature allows for a more personalized inbox appearance, accommodating those who prefer a minimalist interface reminiscent of earlier iOS versions. Additionally, the update introduces an option to group emails by sender, enhancing inbox organization and making it easier to manage communications.
AppleCare & Warranty Section Updates
The Settings app sees improvements in the AppleCare & Warranty section. Users will notice updated visuals and direct links to Apple’s support website, facilitating quicker access to assistance and information. These changes aim to simplify the process of managing device coverage and support options.
Control Center Refinements
iOS 18.5 brings subtle design modifications to the Control Center, enhancing its visual appeal and usability. Several icons have been redesigned with larger graphics, including those for Voice Memo, Stopwatch, Airplane Mode, Home, Remote, Shortcuts, Calculator, Scan Code, Magnifier, Wallet, Tap to Cash, and various accessibility features. These updates contribute to a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.
Photos App Adjustments
Responding to user feedback, Apple has made changes to the Photos app to streamline its design. The carousel that allowed users to swipe through different collections from the main Photos grid has been removed, reducing redundancy and simplifying navigation. The app now opens directly to the photo grid, displaying more images at once, and users can scroll down to access collections. Additionally, the order of collections can be customized, allowing users to decide what they want to see and where.
Distraction Control in Safari
A notable addition in iOS 18.5 is the Distraction Control feature in Safari. This tool enables users to hide distracting elements on webpages, such as sign-in windows, cookie preference popups, GDPR notices, newsletter signup banners, and autoplay videos. While not an ad blocker, Distraction Control helps users focus on content by temporarily hiding static page elements. This feature can be accessed from the Safari webpage settings, where users can choose the Hide Distracting Items option and select the elements they wish to hide.
Home Screen Customization
iOS 18.5 introduces new options for Home Screen customization. By long-pressing on the Home Screen and selecting Edit, users can access the Edit Pages option. This setting allows entire Home Screen pages to be deleted or hidden from view, providing greater flexibility in organizing apps and widgets. This enhancement improves clarity and usability, enabling users to tailor their Home Screen to their preferences.
Dark Mode Icon Updates
Apple has addressed visual inconsistencies in Dark Mode by updating app icons to display correctly in notifications. Previously, notifications would show light mode icons even when Dark Mode was enabled. With iOS 18.5, icons such as Maps and Find My have been redesigned to align with Dark Mode aesthetics, ensuring a cohesive visual experience.
Beta Program Participation
For those interested in exploring these new features, the iOS 18.5 public beta is available to users enrolled in Apple’s Beta Software Program. It’s important to note that beta software may contain bugs and is not intended for everyday use on primary devices. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Assistant app, contributing to the refinement of the final release expected later this year.
Conclusion
The release of iOS 18.5 public beta underscores Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience through thoughtful refinements and user-centric updates. By focusing on customization, organization, and usability, this update aims to provide a more personalized and efficient interaction with iOS devices. As Apple continues to gather feedback from beta testers, users can anticipate further improvements leading up to the official release.
