Apple Kicks Off a New Software Beta Cycle with iOS 18.5 and More

As of April 2, 2025, the first developer betas for iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, tvOS 18.5, HomePodOS 18.5, visionOS 2.5, and watchOS 11.5 have hit the scene, signaling the start of another round of refinements and innovations. While it’s still early days, this rollout follows the recent public release of iOS 18.4, which brought a slew of features like Priority Notifications and expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities. So, what’s on the horizon with this new cycle?

Build Numbers

• iOS 18.5 Beta 1 (Build 22F5042g)
• iPadOS 18.5 Beta 1 (Build 22F5042g)
• macOS 15.5 Beta 1 (Build 24F5042g)
• tvOS 18.5 Beta 1 (Build 22L5542f)
• HomePodOS 18.5 Beta 1 (Build 22L5542f)
• visionOS 2.5 Beta 1 (Build 22O5442g)
• watchOS 11.5 Beta 1 (Build 22T5542f)

What’s New in iOS 18.5 Beta 1?

Since this is the first beta, details are still trickling in as developers get their hands on the software. However, early reports from the developer community have highlighted a few resolved issues that hint at Apple’s focus on stability and refinement. Here’s what’s been spotted so far:

1. Apple Vision Pro App Fix

One of the standout fixes in iOS 18.5 Beta 1 addresses a pesky bug in the Apple Vision Pro app, which was introduced in iOS 18.4 for Vision Pro headset owners. Previously, some users encountered a black screen when launching the app if it was downloaded directly from the App Store. This issue has now been resolved, ensuring a smoother experience for those using their iPhones to manage Vision Pro content. It’s a small but meaningful tweak, especially for the growing number of Vision Pro adopters who rely on the app to explore immersive videos, 3D movies, and more.

2. Writing Tools Bug Fixes

Apple’s Writing Tools, part of the Apple Intelligence suite, have also received some attention. Various unspecified bugs that plagued this feature in earlier versions have been ironed out. For those unfamiliar, Writing Tools leverage AI to assist with text composition, offering suggestions for tone, grammar, and clarity across apps like Notes and Mail. While no new functionality has been noted yet, these fixes suggest Apple is doubling down on making its AI-driven features more reliable—a critical step as Apple Intelligence continues to expand.

3. Easier Access to the Classic Apple Mail Design

A notable addition in iOS 18.5 Beta 1 responds directly to user feedback about the Mail app’s redesign, which debuted with iOS 18.2 and rolled out to iPad and Mac with iPadOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4. The updated Mail app introduced automatic categorization (Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions) and a refreshed interface with sender contact photos. However, not everyone was a fan—some users found the new layout cluttered or the categorization unhelpful. Previously, reverting to the classic design required digging into the Settings app under Apps > Mail > Mail Categories and toggling off “Categorize Automatically,” then switching to List View via the three-dot menu in Mail. Now, iOS 18.5 simplifies this process with a new “Use Classic Design” toggle directly in the Mail section of the Settings app. This single switch disables categories and restores the traditional inbox view, making it far more accessible for those who prefer the old-school approach.

4. Podcast Transcripts Now Editable

A fresh feature spotted in iOS 18.5 Beta 1 gives podcast lovers more control. The Podcasts app, which gained auto-generated transcripts in earlier iOS 18 updates, now lets users edit those transcripts directly on their iPhones. This is a boon for accessibility and accuracy—whether you’re correcting a misheard word or customizing captions for your own episodes. It’s a subtle addition, but it enhances an already useful tool, especially for creators and listeners who rely on text alongside audio.

5. Under-the-Hood Improvements

Beyond these specific callouts, first betas like iOS 18.5 tend to focus heavily on performance optimizations and bug squashing rather than flashy new features. Given that iOS 18.4 was a significant update with additions like Priority Notifications and broader language support for Apple Intelligence, it’s likely that iOS 18.5 will serve as a stabilization phase. Developers are still combing through the build, so more discoveries could emerge in the coming days.

What’s New in MacOS 15.5 Beta 1?

1. Pro Display Calibrator Fix

One of the primary resolved issues in this beta addresses a bug tied to the Pro Display Calibrator. On 14-inch and 16-inch M4 MacBook Pros, customizing display calibration previously triggered an unexpected system reboot. This glitch has been fixed, ensuring a smoother experience for users tweaking their display settings. It’s a niche but significant update for professionals relying on precise color calibration.