iOS 18.5 Released, Bringing Free Satellite Communications to iPhone 13
Apple has released iOS 18.5, the latest major update to the current operating system. Despite the lengthy testing of this version, it is largely technical: the developers have fixed many shortcomings and errors, many of which have been going on since the release.
After installing iOS 18.5 (build 22F76), iPhone 13 owners, including the mini, Pro, and Pro Max models, will be able to use T-Mobile’s satellite messaging service. The service, as The Verge notes, is powered by Starlink technology and is currently available for free testing in the US until the trial ends in July. Apple clarifies that this is only support for carrier-provided satellite features. As such, Apple’s own services, such as Emergency SOS via satellite, remain exclusive to iPhone 14 and later models.
A feature has been added to notify parents when their child uses a passcode to access Screen Time. You can also now use Buy with iPhone when purchasing content in the Apple TV app on third-party devices. A bug that could cause the Apple Vision Pro app to display a black screen has been fixed.
iOS 18.5 is one of the latest updates to iOS 18. Apple is now actively preparing for the release of the next iOS 19. The new version of the OS will be released in September 2025 and will be presented at the WWDC event on June 9.
