iOS 18.5: What's the Big Deal?
The release of iOS 18.5 has sparked a mix of excitement and frustration among users. While the update introduces several improvements, it also highlights ongoing issues that Apple has yet to fully address. Alongside this release, Apple has unveiled plans for future software, hardware, and repair initiatives, offering a clearer picture of its evolving strategy. In the video below, Zollotech delves into the key updates and their potential impact on your experience.
What's New in iOS 18.5?
iOS 18.5 introduces a range of enhancements, including improved battery life for many devices. However, these benefits are offset by persistent issues that continue to affect user satisfaction. Notable problems include:
Overheating during extended use, particularly with resource-intensive apps
Stuttering and lag in the user interface, disrupting smooth navigation
Bluetooth connectivity issues, causing interruptions with paired devices
Inconsistent charging behavior, leading to slower or incomplete charges
CarPlay malfunctions, impacting in-car functionality
While some users report a smoother overall experience, others encounter these recurring bugs, underscoring the uneven impact of the update. Your experience with iOS 18.5 may vary depending on your device model and usage patterns, making it essential to monitor how these changes affect your daily interactions.
Future Software Updates: iOS 26 and Beyond
Apple has officially announced iOS 26, aligning its versioning with the calendar year. The beta release is scheduled for June 9, with a public beta expected in late June or early July. This update is set to introduce several anticipated features designed to enhance usability and entertainment, including:
Significant upgrades to Siri, promising more intuitive and responsive interactions
Advanced calendar tools aimed at improving productivity and task management
A potential gaming app, expanding the ecosystem's entertainment offerings
These features could redefine how you interact with your device, offering new ways to streamline tasks and enjoy leisure activities. However, their success will depend on Apple's ability to address the persistent software challenges that have plagued recent updates. For you, this means keeping an eye on how these changes unfold and whether they deliver on their promises.
Hardware Innovations: Shaping the Future
Apple's hardware strategy continues to evolve, with the iPhone 16 achieving the distinction of being the world's bestselling smartphone, thanks in part to carrier promotions. Looking ahead, Apple plans to introduce annual design updates and a 200MP camera in future iPhones, potentially setting new standards in mobile photography.
On the Mac front, the upcoming macOS 26 will mark the end of support for Intel-based Macs, completing Apple's transition to its ARM-based Apple Silicon. This shift promises improved performance and energy efficiency, but it may leave users of older devices feeling excluded. For you, this underscores the importance of staying informed about hardware compatibility as Apple continues to refine its product lineup.
Repair Accessibility: Expanding Options for Users
Apple is taking steps to make device repairs more accessible, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability and user empowerment. Key initiatives include:
A genuine parts distributor program in the U.S. and Europe, making sure access to authentic components
Self-service repair options for iPads, covering critical components like batteries, cameras, and displays
These programs aim to give you greater control over maintaining your devices, reducing reliance on third-party repair services. However, the long-term impact of these efforts remains uncertain, as repair costs and the complexity of certain procedures may still pose challenges for some users.
WWDC 2025: A Shift in Tradition
Apple's decision to forgo its traditional appearance on John Gruber's 'The Talk Show' during WWDC 2025 has sparked debate among industry observers. This break from tradition has raised questions about Apple's willingness to engage with public criticism. Some speculate that this move reflects a shift in focus, with Apple prioritizing competitive responses over proactive innovation. For loyal users like you, this could signal a change in how the company communicates and positions itself within the tech landscape.
Expanding Features and Services
Beyond iOS, Apple has introduced several updates aimed at enhancing its ecosystem. These include:
Satellite-based messaging and Find My features, now available in Mexico, broadening their global reach
Updates to Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Safari Technology Preview, offering new tools and bug fixes for creative professionals and developers
The Global Running Day activity challenge on June 4, encouraging users to complete a 5K run and promoting health through technology
These updates reflect Apple's ongoing efforts to provide a more comprehensive and engaging ecosystem, offering you new opportunities to explore and benefit from its products and services.
Community Feedback: Divided Opinions on iOS 18.5
User reactions to iOS 18.5 remain mixed. While some praise the improved battery performance, others report inconsistencies in performance across devices. Benchmark tests reveal similar variability, with certain models benefiting from the update while others struggle with unresolved issues. This disparity highlights the need for Apple to address these challenges to ensure a more consistent and reliable experience for all users.
A Balancing Act for Apple
The release of iOS 18.5 underscores Apple's efforts to innovate while grappling with persistent challenges. While the update introduces valuable improvements, unresolved issues continue to frustrate many users. As Apple looks ahead to iOS 26 and further hardware advancements, its ability to address these concerns will be critical in maintaining user trust and satisfaction.
For you, staying informed about these developments will help you navigate Apple's evolving ecosystem and make the most of the tools and features it offers. By understanding the trajectory of Apple's software, hardware, and repair initiatives, you can better adapt to the changes and use them to enhance your experience.
Advance your skills in iOS 18.5 by reading more of our detailed content.
Source & Image Credit: zollotech
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times
an hour ago
- Times
Tate director Maria Balshaw: ‘Even £10 a ticket is too much for some people'
Act now to keep your subscription We've tried to contact you several times as we haven't been able to take payment. You must update your payment details via My Account or by clicking update payment details to keep your subscription.
Auto Blog
an hour ago
- Auto Blog
Toyota Aims to Meet Stateside GR Corolla Demand with UK Production Line
Toyota's GR Corolla is one hot ride On paper, it is easy to understand the hype for the Toyota GR Corolla. For $39,995, car enthusiasts can pretty much get the closest thing to a WRC-winning rally car that money can buy and that your DMV will let you register for road use. While it shares its body with a practical five-door hatchback, Toyota's Gazoo Racing division stuffed lots of high-performance toys for unlimited smiles per gallon, including a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine producing 300 rampageous horsepower under the hood, an all-wheel-drive system, track-ready suspension, and a stiffened chassis. 2025 Toyota GR Corolla — Source: Toyota Toyota isn't faffing about with American demand for its pocket rocket With all this in tow, it is easy to see how Toyota's fast, little hatchback could be a sleeper hit that is taking the automaker by surprise. According to a new report by Reuters, insiders say that demand for the all-wheel-drive pocket rocket in the U.S. is so high that it is making a major production shift to satisfy their cravings. According to two sources close to Toyota, the Japanese automaker is moving some GR production from Japan to the UK in order to reduce the delivery wait times for export vehicles for the North American market. Currently, the GR Corolla is built on a dedicated assembly line shared with the GR Yaris at Toyota's Motomachi plant in Toyota City, Japan, which is reportedly insufficient to satisfy enthusiast demand in the U.S. and Canada. To accommodate this, Toyota will spend nearly $56 million to dedicate one production line at its plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, in the UK. When it comes online in 2026, this line will be capable of producing 10,000 cars per year for export to the North American market. Opened in 1992, Burnaston uses some of Toyota's advanced production technology to pump out cars as fast as one per 60 seconds. Already, the English factory produces the Toyota Corolla hatchback, the vehicle on which the GR Corolla is based. The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla on the streets of SoHo in New York City. — Source: James Ochoa However, one Toyota source who spoke to Reuters said that the automaker will temporarily dispatch engineers to the English factory to share its expertise and knowledge with the workers on building such a car. The sources who spoke with Reuters emphasized that GR models like the GR Corolla and GR Yaris require more time and effort to produce than their non-GR counterparts because of the many procedures that machines cannot do. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Moving production of high-margin cars to the UK can be a tariff power move. Although Toyota produces and sells a smaller chunk of GR Corollas compared to its more mainstream models, Toyota insiders note that their higher price tags compared to 'regular' Corollas command higher margins for the company, which could be a good deal, given the tariff situation currently at hand. Earlier this month, the Trump administration brokered a trade deal with Kier Starmer and the British government to reduce tariffs on UK vehicle imports from 27.5% to 10%. While automakers seem to get a break, the Trump administration restricts this 'special rate' for the first 100,000 cars automakers bring on American shores. Toyota insiders told Reuters that the move was not made because of President Donald Trump's tariffs on imported cars. 2025 Toyota GR Corolla — Source: James Ochoa Final thoughts I am not surprised that Toyota would be considering this move, as there seems to be something about the UK and hatchbacks. Previously, the last generation of Honda Civic Type R was made in Swindon, England, alongside production of the 'standard' Civic Hatchback destined for American shores. Nonetheless, the GR Corolla is an exhilarating car, even when equipped with an automatic transmission. However, I do hope that when they make this shift, Toyota GR fans will be vigilant for any noticeable differences in build quality compared to units from the Motomachi plant. Those GR engineers have a lot on their plates. About the Author James Ochoa View Profile
Auto Blog
an hour ago
- Auto Blog
Trump Tariffs to Add $1,760 to New Car Prices in 2025
Automakers Expected to Pass Tariff Costs to Consumers If you've been saving your pennies, hoping to scrimp together enough money to afford the new vehicle you've been wanting, you may need to dig deeper into the couch cushions. Its price is likely to go up by nearly $2,000 – and possibly a good bit more thanks to Pres. Donald Trump's new tariffs on imported autos and auto parts. All told, automakers will take a $30 billion hit this year due to the new trade sanctions and while manufacturers will swallow some of the tab, predicts a new study, they'll pass 80% of the cost onto consumers. Don't be surprised to see some products disappear from the market entirely, said suburban Detroit consultancy AlixPartners, especially some of the import models likely to be hit hardest by the new tariffs. Land Rover Defender 90 'A Big Wall of Cost' 'These tariffs bring a big wall of cost,' Mark Wakefield, the head of AlixPartners' auto practice said during an online briefing with reporters, with 'consumers taking the majority of the hit.' If there's any shred of a silver lining to the 2025 AlixPartners Global Automotive Outlook it's that we could see the White House continue to revise its tariffs on import autos and auto parts, even as it works up trade deals that. The consultancy anticipates this will eventually lower the sanctions from 25% to an average closer to 7.5%. Even Domestic Models Will be Impacted The White House has rolled out an assortment of new tariffs and has yet to fully lock down the rules, David Steinert, a partner in the AlixPartners auto practice, said during a follow-up interview with Autoblog. 'The tariffs have changed a lot over the last 60 days,' and will likely continue to be revised in the months ahead. As a result, it's difficult to come up with hard numbers – but the consultancy's 'best guess,' he added, is that the typical vehicle will cost at least $1,760 more than before the tariffs went into effect. And for foreign-made luxury models that could ran into the tens of thousands. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 'Vehicles that are produced in the US today are the most advantaged,' Steinert said, 'but even domestically-sourced vehicles bring in lots of (foreign-made) parts' that are now subject to tariffs. And the duties will be especially high if those parts come in from China. Entry-Level Cars May Vanish as Costs Rise Automakers are expected to pass on about 80% of their tariff costs – though they won't do it uniformly, the AlixPartners study anticipates. 'Entry-level and mainstream cars will have less of a pass-through' than luxury and exotic models, explained Steinert. Automakers want to avoid driving budget buyers out of the new vehicle market. On the other hand, with 'higher-end brands, with customers who are less price-sensitive, more of the tariffs (will be) passed through.' In some cases, manufacturers may not find it worthwhile to absorb tariff costs. Nissan has already decided to dump the Versa, what is today the most affordable product line in the U.S., at the end of this year, according to Automotive News. Even some higher-end models could be dropped, said Steinert, if manufacturers find higher prices dry up sales. Luxury and Imported EVs Face Steepest Increases Battery-electric vehicles are seen as especially vulnerable, warned AlixPartners. A number of today's models, such as the Audi Q5 e-tron and Mercedes EQE sedan, are imported and face hefty tariffs. Even domestically assembled models, like the Tesla Model Y, typically rely on batteries either shipped in from China or built domestically using Chinese raw materials. Complicating matters: the federal budget bill backed by the Trump administration and now working its way through Congress. It is expected to eliminate federal tax credits of up to $7,500. And, said Wakefield, buyers are likely to 'follow their pocketbook' and stick to more affordable vehicles with internal combustion engines. In its 2023 Global Automotive Outlook, AlixPartners forecast EVs would account for 31% of the U.S. market. It now anticipates a figure closer to 17%. Source: Mercedes-Benz New Car Sales Likely to Decline Through 2027 Conventional wisdom suggests the new tariffs will result in declining new vehicle sales. The real question is how much of a slump might they trigger. Last month, Cox Automotive forecast demand could drop to as low as 15 million, about 1 million below the 2024 total. And the study warned that could dip into the low 14 million range in the event of a recession. For his part, AlixPartner's Wakefield is more upbeat. He thinks the U.S. market will decline by about 1 million – but over a three-year period – and then begin to bounce back. But there's a caveat. This would require the Trump administration to deliver on its promise to negotiate new trade agreements with key partners. So far, however, it's struggling to follow through, with only one big deal in place with the United Kingdom. About the Author Paul Eisenstein View Profile
