iOS 18.5: Six Small Changes That Make a Big Difference: Practical Improvements That Regular Users Will Actually Notice and Benefit From

These aren't drastic changes in iOS 18.5, but they made some everyday tasks easier. From smarter parental alerts, to satellite support, iOS 18.5 brings quiet improvements you'll actually notice.

I have watched a few videos on YouTube recently, and I want to pass along some of the great tips regarding iOS 18.5. It may not be packed with flashy new features, but it brings several low-key improvements that regular people will appreciate, especially parents, travelers, and anyone who values a smoother, simpler experience. Here are six standout changes that are actually useful in day-to-day life.

1. Screen Time Alerts Parents When Kids Enter the Passcode

This is the standout feature for parents. In his YouTube video on this topic, Stephen Robles explains it in detail:

“If on his device he [his son] were to go into the settings app, into screen time settings, and then try to go to change something… Well with iOS 18.5… if you were to put in the correct screen time passcode and unlock that setting on his iPad, I’ll actually get a notification on my device.”

He also adds, “You’ll only be notified if they put in the correct passcode,” and recommends naming each child’s device clearly so you know which one triggered the alert: “That will actually show up in the notification. You'll know if that passcode was put in on their device.”

So it’s worth taking a moment to give each kid’s iPad or iPhone a clear name under Settings > General > About.

This feature is especially helpful because it’s automatic, there’s no need to toggle anything on. You'll get notified as long as both your device and your child’s are updated to iOS 18.5. The only catch? It only alerts you when the passcode is entered correctly. Failed attempts don’t trigger a notification, though your kid will still see the “try again later” message, so they’re not exactly getting off scot-free.

This may not be a headline feature, but it's a much-needed layer of visibility for parents trying to enforce healthy screen habits. Now, you'll know instantly if your kid tries to sneak in more time by unlocking Screen Time restrictions.

2. iPhone 13 Gets Carrier-Based Satellite Support

This one caught people off guard. As YouTube Brandon Butch explains, iPhone 13 models now get limited satellite connectivity through carriers like T-Mobile and Starlink.

“Even if you do have these satellite features on the iPhone 13, you’re not going to be able to access emergency SOS… you’re just going to have satellite connectivity basically when you don’t have any regular cell service from like 5G or LTE.”

It’s not a replacement for the full SOS service introduced with the iPhone 14, but it’s a useful fallback for those in rural areas or during emergencies when towers go offline.

What’s happening here is that companies like Starlink and T-Mobile are acting as satellite-based cell towers. That means your iPhone 13 can piggyback on their signal when you're off the grid, without needing any extra hardware. It's a carrier-level feature, not something built directly into the phone like Apple’s own satellite SOS system.

Right now, this support is limited. It’s only available on T-Mobile. But this is a real upgrade for people in rural areas, or anyone who travels through remote regions. It won’t let you text 911 from the backcountry, but it could keep your map or messages working when nothing else will.

It’s also a good reminder that Apple’s software updates sometimes quietly unlock new capabilities, even for older hardware. If you’re using an iPhone 13 and thought the satellite era had passed you by, this update gives you a small but meaningful piece of it.

3. Add or Remove World Clock Cities Automatically in Shortcuts

This Shortcuts update technically debuted in 18.4, but Stephen Robles covered it thoroughly as part of his 18.5 rundown:

“There is a new shortcuts action for the clock… If you go down to World Clock, you’ll see Add City and Remove City. Maybe you travel to the city of Athens often… whenever I arrive in Athens, it will add that to the world clock.”

This is ideal for travelers who want quick access to relevant time zones without manually editing their clock list every trip.

You can also set it to add a city with one tap or voice command, no geofence required. When you’re done with a location, set up another shortcut to remove it. It’s simple, clean, and saves you from cluttering your Clock app with a dozen cities you only need now and then.

This is especially useful if you coordinate calls with people in other time zones, fly frequently, or just like having a more dynamic Clock setup. You don’t have to go in and manually manage your list anymore, just trigger your shortcut, and your World Clock updates itself. It’s one of those small Apple features that doesn’t scream for attention but quietly improves how you use your phone.

4. Toggle Contact Photos from Inside the Mail App

A small, time-saving tweak for those using Apple Mail.

Stephen again:

“If you tap the three dots here in the top right corner, there’s now a quick toggle for show contact photos. You used to have to jump all the way into the settings for that, but now you can do it right here in Mail.”

This change brings a little more control into the app itself, and it’s long overdue.

This is especially helpful if you switch between wanting a more visual inbox when scanning for messages from specific people and a more minimal, text-focused view. Previously, adjusting this meant leaving the Mail app, opening Settings, scrolling to Mail, and hunting for the option. Now, it’s one tap away.

It’s a small change that reflects a larger theme with iOS 18.5: giving users more control in the moment, without making them hunt through menus. Whether you care about aesthetics or just prefer a streamlined interface, having this option built into the app makes customizing your experience that much easier.

5. AppleCare Info Is Easier to Find and Understand

In iOS 18.5, the AppleCare & Warranty screen in Settings has been updated with a clearer layout.

As Stephen explains:

“You’ll see your devices here. You can show the full list by tapping Show More… you get a nice card layout, letting you know when the AppleCare expires, what’s covered, and you can jump into Apple Support.”

It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of change that makes life easier when you need help quickly.

This update replaces the old, somewhat cryptic list view with a cleaner, card-based layout that gives you an at-a-glance summary of coverage for each device linked to your Apple ID. No more tapping around trying to figure out expiration dates or which devices are eligible for repairs, you’ll see it all in one place, clearly laid out.

And if something’s wrong, it’s easier than ever to tap through directly into Apple Support. Whether you’ve got an iPhone, AirPods, or a Mac, this small redesign cuts down on confusion and saves you time when it matters, like when you’re dealing with a cracked screen or a glitchy accessory.

6. Confirm Apple TV Purchases from Your iPhone

If you use the Apple TV app on a smart TV or non-Apple device, iOS 18.5 introduces a convenience feature: your iPhone can now confirm purchases made on those devices.

“Purchases will now be easier because you’ll be prompted on your Apple devices to confirm that purchase,” Stephen said. “Rather than having to maybe enter your passcode and do multiple steps, purchases on those other devices should be a little easier.”

This also makes it easier to manage your account. If someone else in your household tries to rent or buy something from the Apple TV app, the confirmation still goes through your iPhone, so you’ll know what’s happening before the charge hits your card.

It’s a smoother, safer way to approve purchases, especially in multi-device homes where Apple accounts are shared across screens.

Final Thoughts

These aren’t massive changes, but they are meaningful. Whether you’re a parent monitoring screen time, someone using Apple TV on a Roku, or just tired of digging through Settings to toggle a contact photo, iOS 18.5 brings real quality-of-life updates.

And this time, you don’t have to dig for them—we’ve got the exact words straight from the presenters who tested them.

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