Apple has unveiled the first public beta version of iOS 18.5 on April 15, just a fortnight after the rollout of iOS 18.4. While the previous update delighted users with fresh emoji, this beta focuses on bug fixes and some interesting tweaks to the Mail app.

Caution is advised! It's best to install this beta on a spare device rather than your main one. Since this is not the final version, you might encounter bugs and potential battery drain—definitely not ideal for your daily driver!

The final features of iOS 18.5 remain a mystery, with no announcements regarding its public release. However, those with an iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or the latest iPhone 16 will have exclusive access to advanced Apple Intelligence features.

Exciting Mail App Tweaks!

The beta comes with a couple of notable updates to the Mail app. First up, users can now easily manage how contact photos are displayed. By default, Mail will display these photos alongside emails, making identification easier. If you prefer a simpler look, you can toggle this off. Just go to Mail, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, and select 'Show Contact Photos' to turn this feature off. Your inbox will return to a more classic appearance, showing only the subject line and message preview.

In addition, the beta introduces a new 'All Mail' category. By swiping the categories bar at the top of Mail and tapping 'All Mail', you can view all messages in one unified view, free from categorization. This feature essentially combines the advantages of Categories while allowing for a List View style.

What Else is New?

As for additional updates in this beta? Not much else to report! With Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference approaching in June, it’s likely that iOS 18.5 is being kept minimal as the company gears up for the bigger iOS 19. However, expect more beta updates to roll out before the general release of iOS 18.5, allowing Apple the chance to tweak features and add new ones.

Stay tuned for updates as we eagerly await more innovations on the horizon!