Apple releases the iOS 18.5 beta and reveals what will not be included.
Apple has just released the latest version of its operating system to the public, and just a few days later, it is starting to provide access to the upcoming update, iOS 18.5. The company has begun distributing the first beta of iOS 18.5 to users of compatible devices, primarily to developers. This raises expectations for various reasons.
Apple has recently released the public version of iOS 18.4, and just a few days later, it has begun distributing the first beta of the next update, iOS 18.5, primarily for developers with compatible devices. This release is interesting to the general public as it precedes the much-anticipated announcement of iOS 19, which will be made at the WWDC 2025 conference in early June. It can be anticipated that this will be one of the last updates in the iOS 18 cycle before the transition to iOS 19, suggesting that it may provide hints about upcoming features.
However, among the features expected for iOS 18.5, one of the most notable, a significant update to Siri, appears to have been delayed. It was originally thought that Apple would implement on-device screen awareness for Siri, but now its release is expected to be postponed even further. According to insiders, during an internal meeting, Robby Walker, Senior Director of Siri, suggested that his team might be experiencing frustration and discouragement due to these delays. Although it was indicated that Apple had already completed 80% of the update, it is likely that we will see this improvement later in the year, coinciding with the announcement of iOS 19.
Regarding the new features in iOS 18.5, beta 1 has just been released, so more reports about its features are anticipated as developers explore Apple's new setup.
On the other hand, there is anticipation surrounding iPadOS 19, which is expected to be announced during this year's WWDC, scheduled from June 9 to June 13. Although there is still little information about iPadOS 19, its codename is "Luck," and details are expected to be revealed during the main event on June 9. In addition to this system, iOS 19, watchOS 12, and macOS 16 are also expected to be presented, along with possible hardware announcements.
Regarding iOS 18.4, several improvements in CarPlay are anticipated, including the integration of sports app functionalities that will allow drivers to access scores and real-time sports information while driving. This enhancement will be available through an API for select sports app developers, although Apple’s official sports app is expected to be the first to implement it.