Apple has rolled out new beta updates for its upcoming iOS 18.5 release. The latest Developer Beta 3 and Public Beta 2 builds, released this week, continue the trend of incremental changes, focusing more on user convenience and bug fixes than on major new features. These updates follow Developer Beta 1, which was released earlier in April.
Mail App Tweaks
A key change in this update is a new UI shortcut in the Mail app. Users can now toggle Contact Photos directly from within the app, using the three-dot menu located in the top-right corner. This is a handy improvement, considering that the same functionality was previously buried in the Settings app.
Additionally, the update brings more customization to your inbox. From the same menu, users can now turn off options like Group by Sender, categories, and AI-prioritized messages. These toggles provide a more refined control over how your inbox appears and behaves — useful for anyone wanting a cleaner or more traditional email layout.
AppleCare UI Updates
The Settings app now features a visual revamp of the AppleCare and Warranty Coverage section. Apple has added a new banner at the top of this page, making it easier for users to view and manage their coverage. Tapping the banner opens a detailed view of your AppleCare plan, including links to learn more or make changes.
Users can also manage their AppleCare coverage by visiting their Apple Account page and selecting the desired device. These minor changes make it easier to keep track of coverage and available support options — especially useful for those with multiple Apple devices.
Bug Fixes
While this update doesn’t bring flashy new tools, it does include a few important under-the-hood fixes:
- Apple Vision Pro App: A persistent bug that caused a black screen to appear when launching the Vision Pro app has now been fixed. The issue occurred when the app was downloaded from the App Store and is now resolved on all affected devices.
- C APIs in the hvf Framework: Apple has patched a problem where the availability of C APIs wasn’t being properly validated. These APIs offer developers low-level access to hardware and system resources, so this fix is important for those working on performance-intensive applications.
- StoreKit Functionality: Another issue addressed involves StoreKit, Apple’s framework for in-app purchases. A bug was causing the
isEligibleForIntroOffer(for:)function to return false if the user wasn’t signed into their Apple ID. Although already patched in Developer Beta 1, this update ensures that all devices are now covered.
Known Issues
Despite the fixes, Apple has acknowledged a new bug in this release. Siri may fail to play music when requested to do so via Apple Music across multiple devices. Apple is aware of the issue, but there’s no word yet on when it will be resolved.
These updates reflect Apple’s steady approach to iOS improvements — cleaning up bugs, refining existing tools, and preparing for the full public rollout of iOS 18.5. While they don’t offer huge leaps in functionality, these small touches continue to polish the overall user experience.
FAQs
What’s new in iOS 18.5 Beta 3 Mail app?
You can now toggle Contact Photos directly from the app.
Can I manage AppleCare in the new update?
Yes, there’s a new banner in Settings to manage AppleCare.
What bug was fixed in Apple Vision Pro app?
A black screen issue on launch was resolved.
Does the update include StoreKit fixes?
Yes, it fixes an issue with the intro offer eligibility check.
Is Siri working properly in this beta?
A known issue may prevent Siri from playing Apple Music.
