Apple Releases iOS 18.5, watchOS 11.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, and More to the Public: What’s New?

May 12, 2025, Apple officially released iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, watchOS 11.5, and a suite of other software updates to the public, following a thorough beta cycle that concluded with the Release Candidate (RC) builds on May 6. These updates, highlighted by sources like MacRumors and Apple’s newsroom, deliver practical enhancements such as Screen Time notifications, expanded satellite connectivity for iPhone 13, and the vibrant 2025 Pride Collection digital assets, alongside essential bug fixes and security patches. This release finalizes Apple’s x.5 update cycle, serving as a bridge between the feature-rich iOS 18.4 and the anticipated iOS 19 unveiling at WWDC on June 9. Below, we detail the build numbers, new features, and key updates across Apple’s ecosystem, drawing from MacRumors, 9to5Mac, and Apple’s official announcements.

A Broad Public Release Across Platforms

The public release spans Apple’s core platforms—iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, and Vision Pro—as well as legacy operating systems like iPadOS 17.7.7, macOS 14.7.6, and macOS 13.7.6. Posts on X from @MacRumors and @zollotech confirm the rollout, noting iOS 18.5 (build 22F76) and macOS 15.5 (build 24F74) among others. The updates are available as free downloads via the Software Update settings on compatible devices, with Apple recommending immediate installation for security and feature benefits.

Here’s a chart of the build numbers for the public releases launched today, sourced from the provided list and aligned with posts on X:

iOS 18.5: What’s New?

iOS 18.5 is a minor update focused on usability, security, and inclusivity, with several key features finalized from the beta cycle. According to MacRumors, 9to5Mac, and Apple’s newsroom, the following enhancements are included in iOS 18.5:

• Screen Time Passcode Notifications: A new feature in Screen Time settings notifies parents when their child successfully enters the Screen Time passcode on their device. This alerts parents immediately if the child guesses or bypasses restrictions. Parents can also initiate a passcode reset request directly from their iPhone if the child forgets the passcode, streamlining the process compared to contacting Apple support. The reset request is sent to the parent’s device for approval.
• Carrier Satellite Connectivity for iPhone 13: iOS 18.5 extends satellite connectivity support to iPhone 13 models for carrier-based services, such as T-Mobile’s Starlink integration. Previously limited to iPhone 14 and later, this allows iPhone 13 users to send and receive texts via satellite when out of cellular or Wi-Fi range, enhancing off-grid communication. This builds on iOS 18.3’s Starlink support and requires carrier participation.
• Pride Harmony Wallpaper: Part of the 2025 Pride Collection announced on May 5, iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 introduce a dynamic Pride Harmony wallpaper for iPhone and iPad. The wallpaper features a tapestry of rainbow stripes that vary in shape and size, with colors that shift as users move, lock, or unlock their device, celebrating the individuality of LGBTQ+ communities. Available via the Settings app, it complements the Pride Edition Sport Band.
• Apple TV App Purchase Integration: A new feature allows users to purchase content within the Apple TV app on third-party devices using their iPhone, enhancing cross-platform accessibility.
• Mail App Toggle: A new option to disable contact photos in the Mail app, accessible via the three-dot menu, simplifies the inbox view. Previously buried in Settings, this is now more user-friendly.
• Settings App Update: A more prominent AppleCare+ banner under General > AppleCare & Warranty in the Settings app makes coverage details easier to access.
• Potential Apple Intelligence Expansion: Forbes mentions possible activation of Apple Intelligence for China, though this remains unconfirmed in the public release notes.
• Bug Fixes and Security: The update resolves issues from iOS 18.4, including CarPlay bugs fixed in iOS 18.4.1, and includes security patches to ensure a stable experience.

No additional major features were reported, but 9to5Mac notes that two undisclosed features may be present, possibly related to Apple Intelligence or UI tweaks, though not explicitly detailed in the release notes.

watchOS 11.5: What’s New?

watchOS 11.5 is a lightweight update, focusing on compatibility and minor enhancements to align with iOS 18.5. Key features include:

• Pride Harmony Watch Face: The 2025 Pride Collection introduces the Pride Harmony watch face for Apple Watch, available with watchOS 11.5. This analog watch face features bold, individual rainbow stripes that dynamically shift across the display to form large hour numerals when users raise their wrist. The design mirrors the Pride Edition Sport Band’s rainbow tapestry and can be downloaded via the Apple Watch app, Apple Store app, or apple.com.
• Performance and Bug Fixes: The update ensures compatibility with iOS 18.5 features, such as Screen Time notifications, and includes minor stability improvements. No major health or fitness features were added beyond those introduced in watchOS 11, like Training Load and the Tides app.

watchOS 11.5 requires an iPhone XS or later running iOS 18.5 and is compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 and later, including Series 10 and Ultra 2.

macOS Sequoia 15.5: What’s New?

macOS Sequoia 15.5, with build number 24F74, is a minor update building on macOS 15.4’s email categorization feature. It focuses on stability and cross-platform consistency. Key features include:

• Screen Time Notifications: Parents receive notifications on their Mac running macOS 15.5 when a child successfully enters the Screen Time passcode on their device, mirroring the iOS 18.5 feature. This enhances parental oversight across platforms.
• System Settings Enhancement: A more visible AppleCare+ section in System Settings for easier access to warranty information, aligning with iOS 18.5.
• Mail App Support: Improved support for contact photos, with an option to disable them for a cleaner interface, consistent with iOS 18.5’s Mail tweaks.
• Performance Optimizations: The update addresses feedback from macOS 15.4, focusing on bug fixes and ecosystem compatibility, particularly for Apple Intelligence features on M1 and later Macs.

No additional Pride Collection features, like wallpapers, were noted for macOS 15.5, keeping the focus on functional refinements.

Legacy Updates: iPadOS 17.7.7, macOS 14.7.6, and macOS 13.7.6

The iPadOS 17.7.7 public release (build 21H433) is a minor update for iPads not yet upgraded to iPadOS 18, focusing primarily on security patches and bug fixes, with no new features explicitly detailed. Similarly, macOS 14.7.6 (build 23H626) and macOS 13.7.6 (build 22H625) for macOS Sonoma and Ventura are security-focused, ensuring older Macs remain supported. These updates maintain compatibility for legacy devices.

Other Platforms: tvOS, HomePod, and visionOS

The public releases for tvOS 18.5, HomePod Software 18.5, and visionOS 2.5 are lightweight, emphasizing performance and compatibility with the broader ecosystem. No specific Pride Collection features or major updates were noted for these platforms, though they support seamless integration with iOS 18.5 and macOS 15.5 features, such as Apple TV app purchase integration.

2025 Pride Collection: A Vibrant Celebration

Announced on May 5, 2025, ahead of Pride Month in June, Apple’s 2025 Pride Collection celebrates the strength and beauty of LGBTQ+ communities with a new Pride Edition Sport Band, Pride Harmony watch face, and dynamic wallpapers for iPhone and iPad. The Pride Edition Sport Band, available for order from May 5 for $49 (U.S.) or $59 (CAD) in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes (S/M and M/L lengths), features a hand-assembled tapestry of rainbow stripes that vary in shape and size, ensuring no two bands are identical. Compatible with Apple Watch Series 3 and later, it’s available on apple.com, the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations. The Pride Harmony watch face (watchOS 11.5) and wallpapers (iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5) offer dynamic, colorful designs that enhance personalization, with Apple reaffirming its financial support for LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations through this collection.

Looking Ahead

With iOS 18.5 and macOS 15.5 now available, Apple’s focus shifts to WWDC on June 9, where iOS 19 is expected to introduce a major design overhaul—the biggest since iOS 7—alongside new Apple Intelligence features. The Pride Collection will remain a highlight through Pride Month, with the Sport Band and digital assets available globally.