iOS 18.5 Release Candidate Rolls Out to Beta Testers With Satellite Connectivity on iPhone 13

iOS 18.5 alerts parents when a Screen Time passcode is entered on their child's device.

Advertisement
Written by David Delima | Updated: 7 May 2025 12:11 IST
Highlights
  • iOS 18.5 release candidate was rolled out on Monday
  • iPhone 13 users will get access to carrier-backed satellite connectivity
  • The Screen Time feature is also getting a useful upgrade with iOS 18.5

Apple isn't expected to introduce any new apps with the iOS 18.5 update

Photo Credit: Apple

iOS 18.5 is expected to roll out to users in the coming days, and Apple began rolling out the iOS 18.5 release candidate to beta testers earlier this week. When the update rolls out to eligible iPhone models, customers will see a couple of notable changes to the Apple TV app on third party devices, and the Screen Time feature on iOS. Meanwhile, Apple has also added support for satellite features on the iPhone 13, via supported network providers.

iOS 18.5 Release Candidate New Features and Changes

Apple's changelog for the iOS 18.5 release candidate that rolled out to testers on Monday gives us an idea of what to expect from the upcoming iOS update. The update adds a useful feature to Screen Time that alerts a parent whenever the passcode that manages controls is entered on their child's device. This can keep parents informed when their child manages to guess the Screen Time passcode to bypass parental controls.

Advertisement

Satellite connectivity is also coming to some of Apple's older iPhone 13 series of smartphones. Keep in mind that this is carrier-based satellite connectivity, which means that it's not the same as the Globalstar-powered satellite connectivity offered on the iPhone 14 and newer models. For example, T-Mobile users in the US can access satellite connectivity via Starlink Direct (SpaceX).

The company is also making it somewhat easier to make purchases on the Apple TV app when using a third party device. Users can now choose a new Buy with iPhone option when purchasing content and complete the transaction using their handset.

Advertisement

iOS 18.4 brought a new Apple Vision Pro app for customers who purchased the Vision Pro spatial computer. The upcoming iOS 18.5 update will resolve a bug that resulted in a black screen being displayed when the app was being used, according to the company.

Apple will also include a new Pride Harmony wallpaper with the upcoming update to iOS 18.5, and it is a part of the latest iOS 18.5 release candidate. Users can expect to see these feature improvements and new additions when the stable version is released — this could be as early as next week, if Apple doesn't roll out a second release candidate.

 
REVIEW
  • Design
  • Display
  • Software
  • Performance
  • Battery Life
  • Camera
  • Value for Money
  • Good
  • Great performance
  • Versatile cameras
  • Sharp, bright display
  • Good battery life
  • Bad
  • Standard display refresh rate, intrusive notch
  • Expensive
 
KEY SPECS
Display 6.10-inch
Processor Apple A15 Bionic
Front Camera 12-megapixel
Rear Camera 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS iOS 15
Resolution 1170x2532 pixels
NEWS
REVIEW
  • Design
  • Display
  • Software
  • Performance
  • Battery Life
  • Camera
  • Value for Money
  • Good
  • Good overall performance
  • Great camera quality in daylight
  • iOS ecosystem and ease of use
  • Bad
  • Dated design and notch
  • Very similar to iPhone 13
  • Relatively slow charging
  • Expensive
 
KEY SPECS
Display 6.06-inch
Processor Apple A15 Bionic
Front Camera 12-megapixel
Rear Camera 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS iOS 16
Resolution 1170x2532 pixels
NEWS

Get your daily dose of tech news, reviews, and insights, in under 80 characters on Gadgets 360 Turbo. Connect with fellow tech lovers on our Forum. Follow us on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News for instant updates. Catch all the action on our YouTube channel.

Further reading: iOS 18.5, iOS Update, Apple, Apple TV
Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Here's How Much the Upcoming Vivo X Fold 6 Might Cost
  2. Here's When the Samsung Galaxy M47 5G Will Launch in India
  3. Everything New in Apple's iOS 27 Developer Beta 2 Update for iPhone
  4. The Oppo Reno 16 and Reno 16c Could Launch in India on This Date
  5. Realme P4x Debuts With 8,000mAh Battery and 4G Connectivity
  1. Crypto Sector Sees Record 83 Hacks in Q2 2026, Most-Exploited Quarter to Date: Report
  2. Capcom Spotlight Broadcast Announced for June 25; Onimusha: Way of the Sword to Get New Look
  3. Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo, G14, G16, ProArt PZ14 and TUF Gaming A14 Go on Sale in India: Prices Start at Rs 1.99 Lakh
  4. Taiko Urges Users to Move Funds Following $1.7 Million Bridge Exploit
  5. Samsonite Zipprix FT Suitcase Unveiled With Built-In Waypoint Luggage Tracking System: Price, Features
  6. Redmi 17C Launched With 5,160mAh Battery, MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra Chip: Price, Features
  7. Hideo Kojima's Horror Title OD Will Feature 'New Game System' That Pushes Users to Keep Playing
  8. Vivo X Fold 6 Price, Storage Variants and Key Specifications Leaked Ahead of June 26 Launch in China
  9. Realme P4x Launched With 8,000mAh Battery, 6.8-Inch Display and 4G Connectivity: Price, Specifications
  10. WhatsApp Desktop, WhatsApp Web Users Targeted Using Malware Campaign, Kaspersky Warns
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2026. All rights reserved.