Introduction
Confused about what’s new in your iPhone’s recent update? While iOS 18.5 may seem minor at first glance, but it revitalises the everyday apps and introduces one of Apple’s most talked about features, the satellite messaging for the first time in iPhone 13 line. So, let’s look at what you’ll be seeing and why it matters.
Overview of iOS 18.5
iOS 18.5, which was released on Monday, May 12, 2025, for all eligible iPhones, has been released for build 22F76. This incremental update also comes after iOS 18.4 and is more of an enhancement of user experience rather than a series of radical changes.
Mail App Enhancements
Apple had listened to feedback and reintroduced “All Mail” view back, which made it easier to cheque-in all the messages at once. You’ll also have a feature that will help you hide contact photos, clearing away clutter, so you can scan your inbox a lot quicker T.
Photos App Controls
The subtle interface reverters are seen in the Photos app. buttons such as “Recover All””, “Delete All” in the Recently Deleted album have been removed again making the controls less and preventing accidental erasure.
Pride Harmony Wallpaper
As part of Pride Month, there’s a new Pride Harmony wallpaper available system wide so that you can declare support with a vibrant, inclusive design.
Screen Time Passcode Alerts
Parents are happy – your kid enters the Screen Time passcode and a notification comes up, and that helps detect intrusions through unauthorised input of passcodes.
Satellite Messaging for iPhone 13
The headline feature: all iPhone 13 models including Mini, Pro, and Pro Max now support the carrier provided satellite messaging for the first time. This, that was previously exclusive to iPhone 14 and above, means that you can write off-grid texts.
How Satellite Messaging Works
Instead of leaning on cellular towers, the messages are transmitted through T Mobile’s Starlink equipped satellites hopping to ground stations and to recipients through SMS or iMessage. It integrates quite smoothly in the Messages app – no extra app required.
Pricing and Carrier Plans
T Mobile customers pay 15 dollars a month, while Verizon and AT&T users pay twenty dollars a month for the addition of satellite messaging. The service will be added to T Mobile’s Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans after the trial.
Free Trial Details
Excited to try? T Mobile’s beta is open for everyone and allows getting satellite messaging “at no extra cost” till July 2025. Spots are going fast, so go ahead and register to T Mobile’s site in order to grab yours.
Tips for Using Satellite Messaging
- Find open sky: Satellite signals are most effective in open areas having an unobstructed view of the sky.
- Keep mapping tools handy: The Messages app might have a compass so that you can position your phone in front of satellites.
- Monitor usage: Take precaution and ensure your carrier plan dashboard is checked so as to avoid any unexpected charges once trial lapses.
Security Fixes in iOS 18.5
Other than features, Apple fixed more than 30 vulnerabilities, including the first discovered issue to the C1 modem, hence, updating in a timely manner is prudent.
Conclusion
iOS 18.5 may seem like a light breeze instead of a wall of change flapping by, but UI works to make Mail and Photos look good, decorating wallpaper, and parental Screen Time alerts all help to make life less bumpy day to day. But even more of a selling point is the satellite messaging upgrade for iPhone 13 users – turning old hardware into a lifeline when you really are off the map. Don’t wait: Instal the update today and experience the sky borne future on your Messages app.
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