On April 14, 2025, Apple introduced the second developer beta versions of iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, tvOS 18.5, watchOS 11.5, and visionOS 2.5. This release follows the initial beta rollout on March 17, 2025, marking a continued effort to refine and enhance the upcoming software updates.
Build Numbers and Availability
The latest beta versions are identified by the following build numbers:
– iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5: Build 22F5053f, succeeding the previous 22F5042g.
– macOS Sequoia 15.5: Build 24F5053f, up from 24F5042g.
– tvOS 18.5: Build 22L5553d.
– watchOS 11.5: Build 22T5553d.
– visionOS 2.5: Build 22O5453e.
Registered developers can access these updates through the Apple Developer Center or via over-the-air updates on devices with the appropriate configuration profiles installed.
Key Features and Enhancements
While the initial beta of iOS 18.5 introduced options to display or hide contact photos within the Mail app and included various settings improvements, the second beta focuses on refining these features and addressing any identified issues. Specific details about new features in this beta iteration have not been disclosed, suggesting that the update primarily targets performance enhancements and bug fixes.
Apple Intelligence Integration
A significant aspect of the iOS 18.5 and macOS 15.5 updates is the integration of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of generative AI and machine learning tools. This initiative aims to provide users with advanced capabilities, including:
– Writing Tools: Accessible wherever text can be selected and edited, these tools offer spell checking, grammar correction, tone adjustment, and text summarization.
– Enhanced Siri Functionality: Siri now features a new design with a subtle display glow, improved contextual understanding, and a Type to Siri option for text-based interactions.
– Safari Enhancements: The browser can summarize articles, providing concise overviews of web content.
– Focus Mode: A new Reduce Interruptions mode helps minimize distractions.
– Smart Replies: Available in Messages and Mail, these provide contextually relevant response suggestions.
– Photos App Improvements: The Memory Movie feature allows users to create slideshows based on text descriptions.
– Audio Features: Users can record, transcribe, and summarize phone calls, with transcription and summarization available for any audio recording.
It’s important to note that some Apple Intelligence features, such as Image Playground and Genmoji, are still under development and have not yet been implemented in the current beta versions.
Device Compatibility
To utilize Apple Intelligence features, devices must meet specific hardware requirements. Compatible devices include:
– iPhone: iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models.
– iPad: iPads equipped with Apple silicon.
– Mac: Macs powered by Apple silicon.
Users with these devices can download the updates from the Settings app, choosing between the standard iOS 18/iPadOS 18/macOS Sequoia 15 betas or the .1 betas that include Apple Intelligence functionality.
Beta Testing Recommendations
Apple and industry experts strongly advise against installing beta software on primary or mission-critical devices due to potential bugs and issues that could lead to data loss. Testers should use secondary or non-essential hardware and ensure they have adequate backups of critical data.
Looking Ahead
Apple’s release of the second developer betas for iOS 18.5 and macOS 15.5 underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing user experience through continuous software development. As these beta versions progress, developers and users can anticipate further refinements and the introduction of new features leading up to the official public releases.
