Apple has officially released the first beta of iOS 18.5 for developers, bringing a few minor tweaks as the company shifts its focus toward iOS 19, expected to be announced in the coming months. While this update doesn’t introduce major changes, it does offer some handy refinements to Mail and AppleCare settings.
Mail App: Easier Access to Display Options
Apple has made it simpler to customize the Mail app’s look. Now, when you tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of the Mail app, you’ll find quick toggles to:
- Turn Contact Photos on/off
- Disable Group By Sender
Previously, these settings were buried in the Mail section of the Settings app, but with iOS 18.5, they’re more accessible for users who prefer a classic Mail layout. The original settings in Settings > Mail remain unchanged for those who still prefer the old way.
These enhancements aim to elevate the Mail app, which underwent a major transformation with the iOS 18 update. The introduction of iOS 18.2 brought on-device email categorization, driven by machine learning technology. Initially referred to by the project codename BlackPearl, this feature was in development for several years before making its debut on the iPhone.
Email categorization took even longer to reach the Mac and iPad, as the platforms only received Apple’s email sorting feature on Monday with macOS Sequoia 15.4 and iPadOS 18.4, respectively.
AppleCare: More Visibility and Easy Management
Apple has also revamped how you access AppleCare and Warranty details in the Settings app:
- A new AppleCare banner now appears under Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty, making it clearer where to check your coverage.
- When viewing your Apple devices under Apple ID > Devices, you’ll now see a new AppleCare option that provides details about your plan, including a quick-access button to manage your subscription.
iOS 18.5 Beta Release Date: What to Expect
If history is any indicator, iOS 18.5 is likely to roll out to the public in May, most likely during the second week of the month. Over the past three years, Apple has followed this pattern for its x.5 updates, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see iOS 18.5 arrive around the same time.