## Your iPhone Just Got a Little Bit Smarter.
That’s right, Apple’s out with a new update, and while it’s not a full-blown iOS overhaul, there are some juicy tweaks and refinements hiding in iOS 18.5 Release Candidate. Forget the dramatic headlines – this update is all about those subtle improvements that make your iPhone feel even smoother and more personal. From under-the-hood performance boosts to a few handy new features, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this latest iOS drop.
Back Tap Banner
The iOS 18.5 RC also introduces the option to display a banner using the Back Tap function. Back Tap turns the Apple logo on the back of your iPhone into a usable button that can open your camera, take a screenshot and more when you double or triple tap it. And with the iOS 18.5 RC, you can make your iPhone display a banner whenever you use Back Tap.
To enable the banner, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and tap the toggle next to Show Banner. If you enable the banner and use Back Tap, the banner will appear across the top of your screen and read, “Back Tap Double/Triple Tap detected.”
Release Notes
Here are the full release notes for the iOS 18.5 RC. This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
- • A new Pride Harmony wallpaper.
- • Parents now receive a notification when their child’s account is created or updated.
- • Addresses an issue where some emails might not be synced correctly.
- • Fixes an issue where the camera might not work properly when using certain apps.
- • Improves the performance of the Mail app.
Practical Implications and Considerations
Should You Download the iOS 18.5 RC?
Since the RC isn’t necessarily the final version of iOS 18.5, I recommend downloading it on something other than your primary device. The update might be buggy, and battery life may be affected, so it’s best to keep those troubles on a secondary phone. Also, since the RC is not the final version, adjustments could land on your iPhone when the update is released.
There’s no word on when Apple will release the iOS 18.5 update to the general public, but it’s usually a week after the RC comes out.
What to Expect When iOS 18.5 is Released
Here’s what could appear on your iPhone with iOS 18.5. (Just a reminder: Only developers and beta testers with an iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max or the iPhone 16 lineup can access Apple Intelligence for now. If you have any other iPhone, you won’t have access to those features.)
New Pride wallpaper: Every year, Apple comes out with a new Pride wallpaper ahead of Pride Month, and this year is no different. The iOS 18.5 RC includes the latest iteration of the wallpaper, called “Pride Harmony,” which features bold stripes that shift and change position as you move.
Mail options: Apple introduced a few Mail app updates in the iOS 18.5 RC. One of those updates makes it easier to adjust the app’s settings by showing or hiding contact photos in Mail. Contact photos are the images to the left of emails that help identify senders.
Back Tap: The iOS 18.5 RC also introduces the option to display a banner using the Back Tap function. Back Tap turns the Apple logo on the back of your iPhone into a usable button that can open your camera, take a screenshot and more when you double or triple tap it. And with the iOS 18.5 RC, you can make your iPhone display a banner whenever you use Back Tap.
Conclusion
As Apple’s latest iOS 18.5 RC is rolled out, it’s clear that the tech giant is continuing to refine and improve its iPhone operating system. The release includes a few small but significant changes that may have gone unnoticed by many users. From the addition of a new accessibility feature to the improved performance of the camera app, these tweaks demonstrate Apple’s commitment to providing a seamless and intuitive user experience.
The significance of these changes lies in their potential to make a tangible impact on everyday iPhone use. Whether it’s increased accessibility or enhanced camera functionality, these updates have the power to make a real difference in the lives of users. Moreover, as Apple continues to push the boundaries of innovation, it’s clear that the company is committed to staying ahead of the curve and meeting the evolving needs of its users.