Apple drops big hint that the release of stable iOS 18.5 is imminent
Apple will soon release iOS 18.5 for compatible iPhone users. We know this because of something that the tech giant did today that usually precedes the latest stable iOS release by approximately a week; the Release Candidate (RC) version of the update was dropped by Apple today. That means the version of iOS 18 .5 available today has the potential to be the final, stable version of the update, assuming no bugs are discovered and it is usually released following the end of the beta testing phase.
It also allows those on the iOS 18 .5 beta program to return to the stable track without having to wipe their iPhones. To install iOS 18 .5 RC, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the directions. The update is compatible with the iPhone XS and later. The update includes a new Pride Harmony wallpaper and other features, bug fixes and security updates.
Apple releases the Release Candidate version of iOS 18.5. | Image credit-PhoneArena With the update, parents will now receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used on a child's device. The update also exterminates a bug that caused the Apple Vision Pro app to show a black screen. Users will have the option to change the native iOS Mail app back to the previous UI, which includes the removal of Contact photos. This can be done by opening the native iOS Mail app and tapping the three-dot icon in the upper right corner. You can choose to see your email inbox divided by categories or in a long list. And, as noted, you can remove the use of Contact photos.
The native version of the iOS Mail app allows users to revert back to the old UI with list view and no Contract photos. | Image credit-PhoneArena Those of you who look forward to being the first to install the next build of iOS on their iPhones or iPadOS on their iPads each year should have June 9th circled on their calendars. The WWDC developer conference kicks off on that date with the Keynote expected to begin at 1 pm EDT (10 am PDT). Once the Keynote ends, Apple will disseminate iOS 19 beta 1 and iPadOS 19 beta 1.
The new Pride Harmony wallpaper that is available once iOS 18.5 (RC) or iPadOS 18.5 (RC) is installed. | Image credit-Apple
We should also point out that iPadOS 18.5 (RC) is also available to iPad users today, and the stable, final iPadOS 18.5 update is also expected to be released next week. Compatible iPad models include the iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Phone Arena
an hour ago
- Phone Arena
Google Gemini just learned a new trick that makes reminders feel outdated
Receive the latest iOS news Subscribe By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Several updates have been rolled out to Gemini and Gemini Live to make it more helpful for everyday tasks. | Video credit — Google This new ability follows Google's recent efforts to make Gemini more personal and proactive, As regular users of the Gemini app, we see this as a practical improvement. It's not just about new tricks — it's about features that fit into real routines. Whether you're managing work, staying organized at home, or just trying to remember recurring tasks, scheduled actions could help lighten the load. The feature is now available to eligible users on both Android and iOS. There's no need to download a new update — just open the Gemini app, ask it to schedule something, and it will take care of the rest. With scheduled actions, Google is giving Gemini another tool to make every day tasks a little easier. This new ability follows Google's recent efforts to make Gemini more personal and proactive, a direction the company emphasized during this year's I/O event. The goal is to shift Gemini from a reactive chatbot to a more helpful daily regular users of the Gemini app, we see this as a practical improvement. It's not just about new tricks — it's about features that fit into real routines. Whether you're managing work, staying organized at home, or just trying to remember recurring tasks, scheduled actions could help lighten the feature is now available to eligible users on both Android and iOS. There's no need to download a new update — just open the Gemini app, ask it to schedule something, and it will take care of the rest. With scheduled actions, Google is giving Gemini another tool to make every day tasks a little easier. Google is adding a new feature to the Gemini app that makes the assistant more useful for everyday tasks. Called " scheduled actions ," this update allows users to set Gemini to complete specific tasks at a certain time or on a recurring basis. The feature is rolling out now for users with a Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription, as well as for those on supported Google Workspace business or education most notable part of this update is that it works across platforms. That means even iPhone users can take advantage of scheduled actions, as long as they have the Gemini app installed and a supported subscription. This cross-platform availability makes it a helpful addition for more actions are designed to make Gemini more proactive. Instead of waiting for a prompt, the app can now carry out routine tasks on its own. For example, users can ask Gemini to send a daily summary of their calendar and unread emails, deliver a weekly list of blog ideas, or provide updates on a favorite sports team. One-time tasks are also supported, such as requesting a summary of an event the day after it use the feature, users simply ask Gemini to perform a task at a set time, or turn an existing prompt into a scheduled one. These can be managed within the new "scheduled actions" section in the app's settings. The interface is designed to give users control over what Gemini does and when.
Phone Arena
3 hours ago
- Phone Arena
You need to have this Pixel safety feature toggled on to protect yourself from getting wiped out
Did you know that this month is National Safety Month in the U.S.? I was so excited hearing this that I celebrated by jumping up and down and in the process I twisted my ankle and then fell down a flight of stairs breaking several bones. No, that really didn't happen, but if it did, I would hope to have my rejuvenated Pixel 6 Pro beside me. That's because Pixel handsets have certain safety features that help keep users safe (which is what safety features are for, of course). The first feature is one that is only available on Pixel 9 series devices. Let's say you and your Pixel 9 are driving in an area where there is no cellular coverage but you need help with your car. Instead of walking miles to civilization, you can use Satellite SOS which will allow you to "text emergency services, request roadside assistance, message friends and family, and share your location." Pixel phones and Pixel watches (paired with a Pixel 9 handset) offer Scam Detection. This is an exciting and protective feature because it scans in real time the pattern of a call that you are on or a text message that you are in the middle of. With help from AI, patterns of the call or text are analyzed and if they seem suspicious, the user is alerted. To activate Scam detection, open the Phone by Google app and tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner. Tap on Settings and look for Scam Detection. Tap on it and toggle the feature on. This feature is available for Pixel 9 users in the U.S. and those with a Pixel 6 and later (including the Pixel 8 line) with the Phone by Google beta installed. You can check to see if you're on the beta by going to Settings > Apps > See all xxx apps. Scroll down to Phone and go tot he bottom of the page. You should see the version number followed by "publicbeta." Scam Detection is a great feature that scans calls and texts for patterns used by scammers. | Image credit-PhoneArena On Pixel 3 watches, the FDA approved Loss of Pulse Detection feature will prompt a call to emergency services and if you are unresponsive, it will go ahead and make the call. If you find yourself involved in a severe accident while driving a car or riding in one as a passenger, Pixel phones and watches will help you connect with emergency services. You will get a few seconds to respond to a prompt and should you be unresponsive, the feature will call emergency services and pass along your location. In the course of a day, you might come face-to-face with a weather emergency, or an emergency that threatens the safety of the public (the latter seems to occur more often than we'd like). Along with AMBER alerts, you can be notified of these activities by enabling Wireless Emergency Alerts on your Pixel device. While these features come to light during National Security Month, they are available on compatible Pixel devices throughout the entire year.
Phone Arena
4 hours ago
- Phone Arena
OPPO sees a bit of itself in this major Android 16 upgrade, and it's hard to disagree
Google is bringing a new multitasking feature to Android 16, and even OPPO is giving it some credit. The new system, which introduces a 90:10 split-screen layout, looks very similar to a multitasking idea OPPO has been using since 2023. That feature, known as "Boundless View" on OPPO phones and "Open Canvas" on the OnePlus Open, allows apps to sit partially off the screen. Users can switch between them by tapping the visible edge of the app, making multitasking feel smoother and less restricted than traditional split-screen modes. Android 16 's version works a bit differently, but the idea is similar. The update allows one app to stay mostly in view (taking up 90 percent of the screen), while the second app remains in a slim portion along the edge. This setup lets users switch between the two more easily, without fully closing either app. The new multitasking layout has been spotted in early Android 16 beta builds, including Samsung's One UI 8 beta. It's not currently available on Pixel phones, but that could change in future updates. The first Android 16 QPR1 beta went live on May 20, with more features likely to arrive as testing continues. After some online speculation about OPPO's role in this change, the company issued a statement to clarify. An OPPO executive had suggested on Weibo that the company may have helped bring this feature to Android, but OPPO later told Android Authority that it had no direct involvement. Instead, OPPO said Google's feature "draws inspiration" from its own Boundless View, calling it "a similar feature." How the 90/10 split feature works on an OPPO device. | Image credit — Ice Universe on Weibo Zhu Haizhou on the Android 16 90/10 split feature being OPPO's small contribution. | Image credit — Weibo In its statement, OPPO explained: — OPPO statement Whether Google's approach is a coincidence or a result of industry influence, the change is likely to benefit users—especially those using large-screen devices like foldables. And with OPPO offering praise instead of criticism, it seems the company is more interested in pushing multitasking forward than claiming ownership of the idea.
