Apple Seeds iOS 18.5 Release Candidate, macOS Sequoia 15.5 RC, and More

May 6, 2025, Apple released the Release Candidate (RC) versions of iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, and a range of other software updates, including legacy OS versions, to developers and public beta testers, marking the final stage of testing before the anticipated public launch next week. This follows the fourth beta cycle seeded on April 28, as reported by sources like MacRumors and 9to5Mac. The RC builds indicate Apple is close to finalizing these updates, which introduce key features like Screen Time enhancements, satellite connectivity for iPhone 13, and the vibrant 2025 Pride Collection digital assets, while ensuring stability across platforms. Below, we explore the confirmed build numbers and highlight new or confirmed features, incorporating details from MacRumors, 9to5Mac, and Apple’s newsroom.

Comprehensive RC Release Across Platforms

The Release Candidate builds span Apple’s ecosystem, covering iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, and Vision Pro, as well as legacy operating systems like iOS 17.7.7, iPadOS 17.7.7, macOS 14.7.6, and macOS 13.7.6. These builds are typically the last step before public release, barring critical issues. Posts on X from @MacRumors and @9to5mac confirm the iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 RC releases, while Apple’s newsroom highlights the Pride Collection integration across platforms.

Here’s a chart of the build numbers for the Release Candidate builds released today, sourced from the provided list:

iOS 18.5 Release Candidate: What’s Included?

iOS 18.5 is a minor update, but the beta cycle has introduced several practical enhancements, with the RC build finalizing these changes. According to MacRumors, 9to5Mac, and Apple’s newsroom, the following features have been confirmed or discovered in the iOS 18.5 beta cycle, now carried into the RC:

• 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 figures out the passcode, potentially allowing them to bypass 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 update allows iPhone 13 users to send and receive texts via satellite when out of cellular or Wi-Fi range, enhancing off-grid communication options. This builds on iOS 18.3’s Starlink support and requires carrier participation.
• Pride Harmony Wallpaper: As 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 position as users move, lock, or unlock their device, reflecting the individuality of LGBTQ+ communities. The design complements the Pride Edition Sport Band and is available via the Settings app after the update. Apple emphasizes its support for LGBTQ+ organizations through this collection.
• Mail App Toggle: A new option to disable contact photos in the Mail app, accessible via the three-dot menu, simplifying the inbox view. This was previously buried in Settings but is now more accessible.
• Settings App Update: A more prominent AppleCare+ banner under General > AppleCare & Warranty in the Settings app, making coverage details easier to access.
• Potential Apple Intelligence Expansion: Forbes mentions possible activation of Apple Intelligence for China, though this remains unconfirmed in the RC notes.
• Bug Fixes and Security: The update addresses lingering issues from iOS 18.4, including CarPlay bugs fixed in iOS 18.4.1 and security patches, with a strong focus on stability.

The RC build is expected to polish these features, with no major new additions reported. 9to5Mac suggests two undisclosed features may still be revealed at launch, possibly related to Apple Intelligence or subtle UI tweaks, but these are not yet visible in the RC.

Legacy iOS and iPadOS Updates: 17.7.7

The iOS 17.7.7 and iPadOS 17.7.7 RC builds (21H433) are minor updates for devices not yet upgraded to iOS 18 or iPadOS 18. These likely focus on security patches and bug fixes, with no new features explicitly detailed in available sources. Their inclusion ensures continued support for older devices.

macOS Sequoia 15.5 Release Candidate: Key Details

macOS Sequoia 15.5 RC, with build number 24F74, continues the minor update trend. Building on macOS 15.4’s email categorization feature, the 15.5 beta cycle has introduced:

• 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, mirroring the iOS change.
• Mail App Support: Improved support for contact photos, aligning with iOS 18.5’s Mail tweaks, with the option to disable them for a cleaner interface.
• Performance Optimizations: Focus on bug fixes and stability, addressing feedback from macOS 15.4’s rollout, ensuring compatibility with the broader ecosystem.

No significant new features have been reported for the macOS 15.5 RC beyond the Screen Time notification, suggesting Apple is prioritizing refinement over major changes as it gears up for macOS 16’s reveal at WWDC.

Legacy macOS Updates: 14.7.6 and 13.7.6

The macOS 14.7.6 RC 4 (23H626) and macOS 13.7.6 RC 4 (22H625) are updates for systems running macOS Sonoma and Ventura, respectively. These are likely security-focused, with no new features noted in sources, ensuring older Macs remain supported and stable.

Other Platforms: watchOS, tvOS, HomePod, and visionOS

The RC builds for watchOS 11.5, tvOS 18.5, HomePod Software 18.5, and visionOS 2.5 are also part of today’s release. These updates are light, focusing on ecosystem compatibility and minor performance improvements. Key Pride Collection features include:

• watchOS 11.5 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 to check the time. 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.
• tvOS 18.5, HomePod Software 18.5, visionOS 2.5: These updates focus on performance and compatibility, with no specific Pride Collection features noted. However, they ensure seamless integration with the broader ecosystem, including support for the latest iOS and macOS features.

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, watch face, and wallpapers. 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. This design reflects the individuality of the LGBTQ+ community and is compatible with Apple Watch Series 3 and later. The band is available on apple.com, the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations starting next week. The Pride Harmony watch face and wallpapers, integrated into watchOS 11.5, iOS 18.5, and iPadOS 18.5, offer dynamic, colorful designs that enhance user personalization across devices. Apple also reaffirms its financial support for LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations through this collection.