Featured Image Credit: NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty
The devil works fast, but Apple works faster. Never one to rest on its laurels, the tech giant has just rolled out another iOS.
It feels like only yesterday that we were updating to iOS 18.4, but now, we're being urgently warned to upgrade to iOS 18.5.
The start of iOS 18 came littered with problems and delays, with the much-hyped Apple Intelligence being shunted from its original release date.
Things are currently back on track thanks to Apple's latest update, with iOS 18.5 coming with plenty of bells and whistles.
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We're now being told to make sure our iPhones are running the latest software. Coming after Apple updated its security website, we're told that iOS 18.5 fixes 30 security vulnerabilities, including a devastating iPhone 16e issue that's impacting its baseband.
iOS 18.5 now is Live 🔥
— Apple Tech Way (@theappltechway) May 12, 2025
This update Apple introduces a new Pride Wallpaper and other bug fix and security updates for your iPhone. pic.twitter.com/F2cy3m1dyT
Among the security vulnerabilities, one involves apps being able to access sensitive user data via Bluetooth, muting a microphone during a FaceTime call might not silence it, attackers being able to access your Notes from the lock screen, and a Kernel conundrum where "a remote attacker may cause an unexpected app termination."
One of the biggest involves multiple bugs in the WebKit engine that underpins the iPhone's Safari browser. This includes CVE-2025-24213, which was reported by the Google V8 Security Team and is a confusion issue that could potentially lead to memory corruption.
Although Apple isn't aware of these exploits being used in the wild, it's best to update as soon as possible.
iOS 18.5 is available for the following devices: iPhone XS and later, 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.
It's not all doom and gloom when it comes to potential security issues, as iOS 18.5 comes with a couple of other impressive features under the hood.
The big winner is the introduction of carrier-provided satellite features, which is neatly timed with the rollout of Elon Musk's Starlink and the idea that you'll be able to get a signal anywhere in the world. As Apple notes, though, this comes with an additional price depending on your carrier.
Elsewhere, there's some enhanced AI privacy, an important Mail app upgrade, and the addition of the new Pride Harmony wallpaper.
Critics have complained that the .5 in the numbering suggested something bigger, but with iOS 18.5 fixing some bugs that were added with iOS 18.4, we suggest you listen to Apple and upgrade straight away.
