Apple has rolled out iOS 18.5, and while it’s not a major redesign, it brings many small, helpful improvements. Whether you’re a casual iPhone user or a power user, there’s something for everyone in this update.
Let’s start with a quick look at the 10 new features, and then we’ll narrow it down to the top 5 that will actually impact your daily life.
🔟 Top 10 Features in iOS 18.5
🆕 1. New Emojis
Enjoy fun new emojis like a lime, broken chain, and shaking head in your chats and social posts.
Image: Screenshot of new emojis in iMessage
🗣️ 2. Siri Speaks More Languages
Siri can now read messages in even more languages and accents, great for multilingual users.
Image: Siri settings screen with language list
🎙️ 3. Apple Podcasts Transcripts
You can now read full transcripts of podcast episodes, search words, and tap to jump to that part of the episode.
Image: Podcast transcript screen
🎛️ 4. iPhone as Apple TV Remote
Your iPhone now auto-shows a remote on the Lock Screen when near your Apple TV.
Image: iPhone showing Apple TV remote interface
⚡ 5. Speed and Bug Fixes
Apps feel snappier and smoother. Many common bugs were fixed.
🔋 6. Battery Health Info (iPhone 15 only)
iPhone 15 users now see battery cycle count, manufacture date, and first use date.
Image: Battery Health screen
🛰️ 7. Messages via Satellite (U.S. only)
If you have iPhone 14 or later, you can send messages without signal using satellites.
Image: Satellite interface on iPhone
📅 8. Reminders Appear in Calendar
Reminders now show directly in your Calendar app to help with daily planning.
Image: Calendar with reminders visible
🧩 9. New Puzzle in Apple News+
“Quartiles” is a new daily word puzzle for News+ users—similar to Wordle.
Image: Screenshot of the Quartiles puzzle
🎵 10. Apple Music Favorites Upgrade
Easier to favorite songs and albums, and manage playlists better.
Image: New Apple Music favorites interface
✅ Top 5 iOS 18.5 Features You’ll Actually Use Every Day
Now that you’ve seen what’s new, let’s highlight the 5 features most useful in daily life:
✅ 1. Apple TV Remote on iPhone Lock Screen
No more looking for the remote—your iPhone becomes one automatically when near your Apple TV.
✅ 2. Podcasts with Transcripts
Listen and read at the same time. Perfect for learning, note-taking, or reviewing what was said.
✅ 3. Reminders in Calendar
Stay organized by seeing reminders right inside your Calendar view. Everything is in one place.
✅ 4. Siri’s Language Boost
If you speak multiple languages, Siri’s new language support makes reading messages easier than ever.
✅ 5. Apple Music Favorites Made Easy
Organizing and returning to your favorite songs and albums is now quicker and more intuitive.
📲 How to Get iOS 18.5
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap Download and Install. Make sure your iPhone is charged and backed up.
Final Thoughts:
iOS 18.5 may look like a small update, but these little changes can really improve your daily phone use. Whether you’re watching TV, listening to music, or managing your day, there’s something in this update for you.