&w=3840&q=100)
Apple iOS 18.5 brings incremental upgrades to eligible iPhones: What's new
iOS 18.5 update comes just a month ahead of the expected release of iOS 19 at WWDC 2025, which is due next month
iOS 18.5
New Delhi
Apple has rolled out the stable version of iOS 18.5. The update introduces a number of improvements, including a new wallpaper, an upgrade to Screen Time, changes to the Mail app, and more. Notably, this update does not bring any major new features, which are likely to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) next month.
Here are the changes that iOS 18.5 is bringing for iOS users.
iOS 18.5: What is new
Changes in Mail app
iOS 18.5 brings subtle yet helpful UI improvements to the Mail app. The updated three-dot menu now lets users toggle Contact Photos and directly turn off the "Group by Sender" feature without needing to access the Settings app.
New AppleCare management option
iOS 18.5 adds a dedicated AppleCare section under Apple Account settings. Users will be able to check their device coverage and use the new 'Manage Plan' feature to renew it. These options appear when selecting a device from the Apple ID list in the Settings app.
Parents will now receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used on a child's device.
Pride Harmony wallpaper
According to a 9To5Mac report, Apple said: 'The iPhone and iPad wallpaper features colours that change position as users move, lock, or unlock the device.' This new wallpaper reportedly corresponds to the new Pride Harmony face for Apple Watch, which is also now available as part of watchOS 10.5.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
38 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Samsung's big bet: Perplexity AI could soon be everywhere on its devices
Samsung Electronics is close to finalising a significant partnership with Perplexity AI Inc, an artificial intelligence (AI) search technology startup, Bloomberg reported. The South Korean tech giant is negotiating to preload Perplexity's app and assistant onto its upcoming devices. Additionally, Samsung aims to integrate Perplexity's search features into its web browser. Talks have also covered incorporating the startup's technology into Samsung's Bixby virtual assistant, the report said. Samsung plans to unveil the Perplexity integrations as early as this year, with the goal of making it a default assistant option on the Galaxy S26, expected to launch in the first half of 2026. However, the specifics of the deal are still being finalised and may change, the sources noted. So far, the company has relied significantly on Google's Gemini to support a range of AI capabilities within its Galaxy AI suite. Significant investment in Perplexity In addition to the technology partnership, Samsung is expected to participate in Perplexity's upcoming funding round, potentially as one of its largest investors. Perplexity is currently in advanced discussions to raise $500 million at a valuation of $14 billion, the news report said. The collaboration could help Samsung lessen its reliance on Alphabet Inc's Google and position it to work with a broader range of AI developers — a strategy similar to Apple Inc.'s approach to its ecosystem. For Perplexity, this would represent its most substantial mobile partnership to date, following a recent deal with Motorola. The two companies began exploring a partnership earlier this year. In recent weeks, representatives from both sides met in South Korea and made significant progress toward finalising the agreement, the report said. In addition to embedding Perplexity's technology into Samsung's devices and Bixby, the companies have also discussed developing an AI-infused operating system and an app that can connect Perplexity's capabilities with other AI assistants. Apple's interest in Perplexity Meanwhile, Apple has also shown interest in collaborating with Perplexity. According to Bloomberg News, Apple has considered using Perplexity as an alternative to Google Search and as a replacement for ChatGPT within the Siri voice assistant. 'We've been pretty impressed with what Perplexity has done, so we've started some discussions with them about what they're doing,' Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice-president of services, said during recent testimony at a Google antitrust trial.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
39 minutes ago
- Business Standard
After WhatsApp, Meta may launch Instagram for Apple iPad: What to expect
Meta-owned social media platform Instagram is reportedly developing a dedicated application for Apple iPads. Following the recent launch of WhatsApp for iPads, it now appears likely that Meta could introduce a native version of Instagram for iPad. According to 9to5Mac, Meta is working on an iPadOS-specific version of the app optimised for larger displays. A 9to5Mac report citing Bloomberg's Mark Gurman states that Meta is now 'full steam ahead' in its development of an Instagram application for Apple's tablet. Gurman noted, 'I'm told that employees on the Meta Platforms Inc. campus are actively testing Instagram for the iPad and that development work is full steam ahead. I would expect it to be released this year if all goes to plan.' Instagram for iPad: What to expect Optimised user interface: The app is expected to feature enhanced display scaling tailored for the iPad's larger screen, incorporating a refined layout that makes better use of the tablet's aspect ratio. Improved multitasking support: The native version will likely support iPadOS features such as Split View, facilitating easier navigation and improved interaction while multitasking with other applications. Exclusive layout options: The app may include design elements or interface modes exclusive to iPad, enhancing the overall experience. Upgraded Reels and video browsing: Users may benefit from smoother scrolling and enhanced video playback performance, with a more immersive, cinematic Reels experience in full-screen mode. Currently, iPad users can only access Instagram through the iPhone version of the app, which is not optimised for the tablet interface. This results in a stretched layout and subpar user experience, forcing users to rely on a zoomed-in iPhone app lacking features tailored for larger displays. Although specific details about the upcoming iPad version remain limited, the dedicated app is expected to deliver an interface that better aligns with tablet usage.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Instagram for iPad in Progress, Meta Gears Up for Late 2024 Launch
After years of anticipation, Meta appears to be finally answering the call of iPad users. Reports indicate that a native Instagram app tailored for the iPad is under active development, with a public release expected by the end of 2024. The news comes on the heels of Meta's recent launch of WhatsApp for iPad, surprising fans and fueling hopes for more tablet-optimised experiences. Now, Instagram seems to be the next major Meta-owned platform to make the leap, according to industry insiders. This development was first hinted at in April by The Information's Kaya Yurieff and Kalley Huang. More recently, Bloomberg's tech correspondent Mark Gurman confirmed that Meta employees are internally testing the iPad version. Gurman added, 'Unless there are major setbacks, it should be available to the public before the end of 2024.' Instagram's absence on the iPad has long puzzled users, especially given the platform's visual nature—designed for sharing photos, videos, and stories that are arguably best experienced on larger screens. For over a decade, iPad users have been left with the zoomed-in iPhone version of Instagram, which fails to fully utilise the iPad's expansive display. So, what took Meta so long? Experts point to both technical challenges and underlying tensions between Meta and Apple. Initially, Instagram was built around lower-resolution images, which often appeared pixelated on iPad's high-resolution display. But beyond the tech limitations, a frosty relationship between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Apple's Tim Cook may have also played a role. For years, the two tech giants have clashed publicly over issues like user privacy and App Store policies. Some believe that Meta's delay in releasing Instagram for iPad was, in part, a subtle form of pushback against Apple. That said, the tide now appears to be turning. With WhatsApp now officially on iPad, and Instagram supporting high-resolution media, widescreen videos, and long-form content, Meta seems ready to prioritise the user experience over past rivalries. Competition may also be a driving factor. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts already offer robust tablet support and continue to capture the attention of younger users. Meta likely sees the Instagram iPad app as essential for retaining engagement and expanding its user base. Internal efforts are reportedly in full swing. 'Meta employees are going full steam ahead,' says Gurman. The launch timeline remains subject to change, but the outlook appears optimistic. There's no confirmation yet on whether Meta's Threads app will also come to iPad, but for now, the promise of a native Instagram experience is big news for creators, casual users, and everyone who prefers editing or browsing on a bigger screen.
