Apple’s been testing iOS 18.5 for nearly a month now, and while the beta hasn’t exactly been packed with new features, a couple of quiet additions might be on the way before the public release hits in May.
So far, all we’ve officially seen are a few modest upgrades in Apple Mail. But according to 9to5Mac, two extra features might still be coming, and they could be more important than they sound.
What’s possibly in the pipeline?
- Apple Intelligence support in China
- New Pride-themed wallpapers
Apple Intelligence in China Could Throw Apple a Lifeline
The Apple Intelligence bit is a big deal. China is currently the only major region where Apple’s AI-powered features aren’t yet available. Expanding support there would not only boost functionality for users but could also help Apple recover from sluggish iPhone sales in the country.
Europe was also late to the Apple Intelligence party, but iOS 18.4 finally brought those AI smarts to the EU last month. So China could be next in line.
As for the new Pride wallpapers, those usually show up this time of year and are expected to drop ahead of Pride Month in June. Apple tends to release them as part of its broader support for LGBTQ+ communities.
When’s iOS 18.5 Launching?
Apple hasn’t dropped an exact date, but with WWDC and the iOS 19 preview just weeks away, we’re expecting iOS 18.5 to roll out sometime in May.
Related: iPhone Getting Stage Manager-Like Multitasking With iOS 19?
Don’t expect it to be a huge update as most of the big features are being saved for iOS 19.
