Apple has rolled out the first public betas of iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, watchOS 11.5, and tvOS 18.5, allowing users to test the upcoming software updates ahead of their expected launch in May. These public betas follow closely behind the second developer betas, giving a broader audience early access to Apple’s latest refinements.
Testers enrolled in Apple’s Beta Software Program can install the updates by navigating to the Software Update section in the Settings app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac after opting in through the official website.
While the updates span nearly all of Apple’s platforms, they are relatively minor in scope and feature set. iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 focus primarily on subtle Mail app enhancements that give users more control over their inbox layout. Users can now toggle contact photos and enable a new “Group by Sender” option, delivering a simpler, more traditional view reminiscent of iOS 17. These changes respond to user feedback calling for more streamlined email navigation and readability. Similar visual updates have also been made to the AppleCare & Warranty section within Settings, offering a cleaner and more consistent presentation of device coverage details.
macOS Sequoia 15.5 follows a similar path, with early testers reporting little in the way of visible changes. As with iOS and iPadOS, the emphasis seems to be on polishing the experience, improving performance, and resolving underlying bugs rather than introducing new features. watchOS 11.5 and tvOS 18.5 are included in the beta wave as well, but no standout features have been discovered so far in these builds. Notably, visionOS 2.5 is not part of this round of public testing, as Apple’s Vision Pro headset has yet to be integrated into the public beta program.
With WWDC on the horizon and major OS updates like iOS 19 and macOS 16 expected to be announced in June, Apple is clearly entering the final stages of its current software cycle. This public beta release reflects a broader focus on stability and refinement rather than innovation. While future beta versions may bring additional tweaks or features, the current builds are largely geared toward smoothing out the user experience and ensuring reliability before final release.
Unless you’re eager to explore minor adjustments or contribute feedback, there may be little immediate incentive to install the beta, especially given the potential for new bugs in early builds.
