Hi everyone — Apple has rolled out iOS 18.5 Beta 4 to developers, with Public Beta 3 expected very soon. This update brings a modest download size of around 838.9 MB on the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max, and is available on every device that supports iOS 18. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore supported devices, build numbers, exciting wallpaper hints, handy accessibility tweaks, important bug fixes and performance observations. We’ll also outline Apple’s likely release schedule, discuss whether you should install the beta, and conclude with ten frequently asked questions.
Supported Devices and Download Details
iOS 18.5 Beta 4 is available to all devices compatible with iOS 18, ranging from older iPhone X models to the brand-new iPhone 16 series. The download weighs in at about 800–850 MB, depending on your device. Alongside iPhone software, Apple also released iPadOS 18.5 Beta 4, macOS 15.5 Beta 4, tvOS 18.5 Beta 4, HomePod OS 18.5 Beta 4, visionOS 2.5 Beta 4 and watchOS 11.5 Beta 4. A few legacy macOS updates arrived simultaneously, rounding out a substantial multi-platform release.
Build Number and Release Candidate Prospects
To inspect the build, navigate to Settings → General → About and look for version 22F5068A. The trailing “A” suggests we are very close to a release candidate (RC), possibly arriving as soon as next week. No modem firmware update appears in this beta, so connectivity remains on the same version (e.g. 1.60.02 on the 16 Pro Max). Overall wireless and cellular performance remain stable, with no new issues reported by early adopters.
Wallpaper Hints: Pride and Beyond
Dark and Light Dot Patterns
Apple often debuts a new Pride wallpaper each June. In Beta 4, code references hint at a wallpaper consisting of innumerable dark and light dots forming overlapping graphite-contoured pockets, creating subtle emanations of light. It’s unclear if this design celebrates Pride or another event, but it promises a fresh look.
Crystalline Bubble Design
A second wallpaper concept described in the beta features a trio of crystalline bubbles and folded refractions, revealing a somulra of aberrations through spherical contours. Fans of dynamic backgrounds will be eager to see these artistic renditions when they appear in an upcoming beta or the final release.
Accessibility: Back Tap Banner Returns
Accessibility settings have seen a minor but welcome tweak. Under Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap, the “Show Banner” option—removed in iOS 18.4—reappears. Enabling a double-tap on the back of your iPhone now briefly shows a banner notification, useful for confirming gestures without relying on haptic feedback alone.
Photos App: Recently Deleted Changes
In the Photos app, the Recently Deleted album interface has shifted options from the bottom to the top. Tapping Select then the ⋯ menu reveals “Recover All” and “Delete All” actions, maintaining functionality while tidying the UI. If you preferred the earlier bottom-aligned buttons, note the change but rest assured the commands remain accessible.
Vision Pro App and Spatial Gallery
All iPhones now include the Vision Pro companion app. Upon installation, a new “Spatial Gallery” option appears, inviting users to “Experience incredible new spatial photos from around the world.” The app also highlights an “Apple Immersive Adventure,” suggesting Apple continues to expand spatial content for Vision Pro owners and curious iPhone users alike.
Mail App: Categories and Contact Photos
Hints in Mail’s beta code reveal customisable inbox categories. Swipe to “All Mail” then tap the ⋯ menu to access “View Categories” and “Show Contact Photos.” Depending on which view you select, you may see “Show Priority” or “Show Contact Photos,” giving you greater control over how emails are organised and displayed.
Apple Care Plus UI Updates
Under Settings → General → About → Apple Care, the interface now features refreshed typography and layout. Coverage details and expiration dates appear with clearer headings and improved spacing, streamlining the process of checking your warranty status or purchasing additional coverage.
New Beats Pill Colours
Outside of software, Apple’s hardware partners are rolling out fresh hues. New Beats Pill colours have appeared in retail: a pastel pink exclusive to Target and a deep navy blue at Walmart. These limited-edition colours were spotted early and are now available for those seeking a stylish portable speaker.
Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements
CarPlay Reliability
Many users reported CarPlay failures in Beta 3. In Beta 4, wired and wireless CarPlay connections now consistently work across multiple vehicles and head units, with no stutters or dropouts reported.
Notification and Bluetooth Fixes
Notification animations now scroll smoothly, and the long-press Bluetooth menu reliably opens without crashing. These small tweaks contribute to a more polished daily experience.
Wallpaper Desaturation Glitch
A lingering wallpaper bug causes wallpapers to desaturate then re-saturate when returning to the Home screen. In Beta 4, behaviour has improved, though occasional colour shifts persist. Many hope for a final fix in the upcoming release candidate.
Performance, Battery and Heat
Benchmark Scores
Early Geekbench tests report average single-core scores around 3 496 and multi-core near 8 450, marginally up from Beta 3. Variability suggests background indexing, so results may improve after a few days.
Battery Health and Usage
After several cycles, battery health remains at 100 %, with typical capacity drops around 1 % after 250 cycles. Daily usage statistics vary by signal strength and app activity, but no unusual drain has been observed compared to previous betas.
Thermal Behaviour
Devices may feel warm during initial installation as system processes complete. Temperatures subside after a short period, with no sustained overheating noted in normal usage scenarios.
Release Schedule and What to Expect
iOS 18.5 RC and Public Release
Based on the mature build number, iOS 18.5 Release Candidate could arrive as early as the week beginning 5 May, with a public release roughly a week later. Apple often follows a developer RC followed by a public update the following Monday or Tuesday.
Looking Ahead to iOS 19
WWDC 2025 on 9 June is likely to unveil iOS 19, with Beta 1 shortly afterwards. Expect major interface enhancements, Control Centre redesigns and deeper Vision Pro integrations. Public betas typically follow in July, with a final release in September ahead of the new iPhone launch.
Should You Install iOS 18.5 Beta 4?
If you rely on your iPhone for daily productivity, it may be wise to wait for the public release. Developer betas can carry quirks, and though Beta 4 is relatively stable, you might experience momentary bugs or app incompatibilities. Enthusiasts and testers, however, will appreciate the early access to wallpaper teasers and the latest fixes.
Conclusion
iOS 18.5 Beta 4 delivers a steady stream of tweaks rather than headline-grabbing features. With build 22F5068A inching towards an RC, testers can look forward to refined wallpapers, accessibility refinements and numerous bug fixes. Performance remains smooth, battery life is stable, and early signs point to a public launch in mid-May. If you enjoy testing software and don’t mind minor issues, Beta 4 is worth installing; otherwise, the public release is likely around the corner.
Post a Comment