Ready to See What’s Next for the iPhone? The First iOS 18.5 Developer Beta Is Now Out
Just days after the public release of iOS 18.4, Apple has launched the first iOS 18.5 developer beta, giving developers a glimpse into what’s next for the iPhone.
- While iOS 18.5 likely won’t introduce major new features with iOS 19 around the corner, users can expect minor upgrades to existing functionalities like Apple Intelligence.
Quick Note About Apple Intelligence
Heads up: Apple Intelligence features require an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any model from the iPhone 16 series, including the newly announced iPhone 16E.
- If you don’t have one of these devices, you can still install the beta but won’t access Apple Intelligence tools.
You can expect features like:
- Custom emoji creation
- Email proofreading and summarization
- Article summaries in Safari
- Notification prioritization
- Audio transcript analysis
- Smarter Siri with ChatGPT integration
Major Updates iOS 18 Introduced
With the launch of iOS 18, Apple introduced:
- A redesigned home screen
- A customizable control center
- Locked and hidden apps
- Scheduled text messages
- A new password manager app
- Satellite-based texting
- A major Photos app redesign
Why You Might Think Twice Before Installing iOS 18.5 Developer Beta
Even though the iOS 18.5 beta is free to install, it’s worth remembering that developer betas are inherently unstable.
- Early versions like this one exist mainly to allow developers to test apps and report bugs.
Potential issues include:
- App crashes and instability
- Faster battery drain and overheating
- Performance lags and system glitches
If you have a backup iPhone, it’s better to test the beta there.
- However, using your primary device might still be fine if you understand the risks.
If you prefer stability, a public beta will likely arrive in the coming weeks.
Things to Know Before Downloading iOS 18.5 Developer Beta
Before diving into the beta, make sure you:
- Use a compatible iPhone: iOS 18.5 runs on iPhone XS and newer models.
- Update to the latest iOS version: Make sure you’re running iOS 18.4 first.
- Back up your device: Create an archived backup on your Mac or PC to safeguard your data.
To archive a backup:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- On Mac, open Finder, select your device, and click Back Up Now.
- Then, manage backups, right-click your backup, and select Archive.
- On Windows, the process is similar through iTunes.
How to Enroll in the Free Apple Developer Program
Thanks to a free tier in the Apple Developer Program, you no longer need to pay $100 annually to access developer betas.
Here’s how to enroll:
- Go to the Apple Developer website, open the menu, and tap Account.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Agree to the Apple Developer Agreement by checking all boxes and clicking Submit.
You’ll gain access to download iOS 18.5 Developer Beta and other early software builds.
How to Install iOS 18.5 Developer Beta Over-the-Air
The easiest way to get iOS 18.5 on your device is via an over-the-air update:
- Open Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Beta Updates and choose iOS 18 Developer Beta.
- Return and tap Download and Install under the new iOS 18.5 Developer Beta listing.
After entering your passcode and agreeing to terms, the installation will take around 10–15 minutes, depending on your connection.
How to Install iOS 18.5 Developer Beta Using a Mac
If your iPhone storage is nearly full, you can update via a Mac:
- Visit the Apple Developer downloads page, find “iOS 18.5 beta,” and download the correct restore image for your device.
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac and trust the computer if prompted.
- Open Finder, select your device under Locations.
- Hold the Option key, click Check for Update, and choose the downloaded restore image.
Installation will start, and once complete, your iPhone will reboot into iOS 18.5 Developer Beta.
