Apple releases second beta of iOS 18.5 and other systems for developers

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Apple - Nikada/ istockphoto.com

Apple released the second betas for developers of several operating systems. The release includes iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, watchOS 11.5, tvOS 18.5, and visionOS 2.5. The update took place this Monday and is part of the testing cycle before the final version scheduled for May. Desenvolvedores registered users can download the builds through the Ajustes app on compatible devices.

This step comes about two weeks after the first beta. The new versions mainly bring bug fixes and performance adjustments, with no major new features visible so far. Apple also released the second release candidate for older versions of macOS, such as Sequoia 15.7.6 and Sonoma 14.8.6, in addition to the second beta of Xcode 16.5.

Updates available this Monday

The company distributed the builds with specific numbers for each platform. iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 use build 22F5053f. macOS Sequoia 15.5 is numbered 24F5053f. Outros systems include watchOS 11.5 on build 22T5553d, tvOS 18.5 on 22L5553d, and visionOS 2.5 on 22O5453e.

These versions replace the first betas released at the beginning of the month. The tests aim to stabilize the software for public release. Usuários participating in the public beta program should receive the first versions soon, possibly this week.

What to expect from the new betas

.5 updates tend to focus on refinements and security rather than new features. Initial Relatos points to fixes in apps like AppleCare, adjustments to the Fotos app and improvements in general stability. A specific fix resolves the issue that caused the Apple Vision Pro app to open with a black screen in some cases.

Apple – fazon1/ istockphoto.com

Developers continue to monitor builds to identify additional changes. Apple did not release a complete list of changes at this stage, but released official release notes on the developer portal with details about APIs and fixes.

Reported fixes and adjustments

Several bug fixes were identified in the initial notes. One of them fixes an error that prevented locations from displaying correctly in photos when the Face ID is required in the Fotos app. Outra improvement makes it easier to access AppleCare information in the Apple account settings.

The second beta also includes tweaks to Apple Intelligence-based writing tools. Pequenas Performance and stability optimizations have been applied across different devices. Testes on iPhone, iPad and Mac indicate that the builds run without major problems reported so far.

Focus on stability before final release

The iOS 18.5 cycle occurs while Apple is already preparing iOS 19 internally. Therefore, the update should remain relatively light. The main goal is to deliver security fixes and refinements to current users.

The final versions are expected to arrive in May. Desenvolvedores should continue testing apps to ensure compatibility. Apple recommends installing betas only on secondary devices, as they may still contain instabilities.

  • iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 (build 22F5053f)
  • macOS Sequoia 15.5 (build 24F5053f)
  • watchOS 11.5 (build 22T5553d)
  • tvOS 18.5 (build 22L5553d)
  • visionOS 2.5 (build 22O5453e)
  • Xcode 16.5 (second beta)

Compatibility and installation

The new betas are only available to developers registered in the Apple program. They are downloaded directly to compatible devices. Usuários common must wait for public versions or final release.

Older devices also receive attention in parallel security updates. Apple released release candidates for macOS Sequoia 15.7.6 and Sonoma 14.8.6, mainly focused on fixes.

Next steps in the testing cycle

Apple is expected to release additional betas in the coming weeks based on developer feedback. Mudanças Significant issues may still emerge before the official launch. The company usually speeds up testing on smaller updates like this.

Users testing the betas can report issues through the official channels at Apple. The focus remains on quality and preparation for a broad rollout in May.

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