We are getting closer to the release of Apple’s forthcoming iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, and macOS 15.5 updates, as the company has seeded the RC versions to developers. The latest update arrived a week after the company released the fourth developer beta for all compatible devices. If you are a developer, you can download and install the latest release candidate build of iOS 18.5 for free through the Settings app.
iOS 18.5 and macOS 15.5 release candidate versions can now be installed on all compatible iPhones and Macs
As mentioned, the iOS 18.5 release candidate has been released to developers for final testing, indicating when the update will be available to the general public. Registered developers can download iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 RC builds through the stock Settings app on their iPhone and iPad. All you have to do is head over to General > Software Update > Beta Updates > and install the latest version by following the on-screen instructions.
The iOS 18.5 release candidate build will include a handful of new features and changes, which you can check out. Also, iPadOS 18.5 can be installed through the same mechanism, so do not be alarmed. Before you do so, make sure that your Apple ID is linked to your Developer Account so that you can receive the update over the air. If it is not, the release candidate will not be available in the Settings app. iOS 18.5 includes support for carrier Satellite Connectivity to the iPhone 13, among other things, which is a significant addition to older iPhone models.
Apart from iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, Apple has also seeded the release candidate build of macOS 15.5 to developers for final testing. The update can be installed through the Software Update mechanism in System Settings. Again, make sure that your Apple ID and Developer Account are integrated to receive the update over the air.
We now have a pretty good idea of when Apple will release iOS 18.5 for the iPhone to the public. Release Candidate builds are typically released by Apple a week before the final version, and unless the company decides to release another version of the RC build to developers, we believe that iOS 18.5 and macOS 15.5 will be available to the public following Monday or Tuesday. This is when Apple usually releases software updates to developers and the public. We will share more details on what is new in the latest updates, so keep an eye out for the full coverage.
