iOS 18.5 vs iOS 18.4: Should You Update? A Complete Breakdown

Apple’s iOS updates bring exciting new features, bug fixes, and improvements to your iPhone. But with so many updates, it can be confusing to decide which one is right for you. 

If you’re deciding between iOS 18.4 and iOS 18.5, this guide will compare every feature, bug fix, and performance detail to help you choose. Whether you’re a parent, traveler, or casual user, we’ll break down what matters most.

Quick Summary: iOS 18.4 vs. 18.5 at a Glance

Category iOS 18.4 iOS 18.5
Key Features Apple Intelligence expansion, Ambient Music, RCS messaging Satellite texting (iPhone 13), Parental alerts, Pride wallpaper
Best For Multilingual users, Music lovers Off-grid texting, Screen Time management
Battery Life Slight improvement (~5% longer) Similar to iOS 18.4
Update Size 1.5–8 GB 1.2–7.5 GB
Security 20+ patches Critical CarPlay & Vision Pro fixes

Detailed Feature Comparison

1. New Tools & Customization

iOS 18.4 Highlights

  • Apple Intelligence Expands: Supports 8 new languages (French, German, Japanese, etc.) and regions like the EU.
    • Priority Notifications: Sorts important alerts (messages, calendar events) above others.
    • Visual Intelligence: Scan objects with your camera for instant info (iPhone 15 Pro/16 only).
  • Ambient Music: Play focus/sleep sounds (rain, white noise) directly from Control Center.
  • New Emojis: 7 additions, including 🥱 Tired Face, 🪚 Shovel, and 🇸🇾 Syrian Flag.
  • Podcast Widgets: Track favorite shows or your library on the Home Screen.

For creative uses of these tools, see our iOS 18.4 tips guide.

iOS 18.5 Highlights

  • Satellite Connectivity (iPhone 13): Send texts via satellites without cell service (T-Mobile U.S. only).
    • Not for emergencies: Use Emergency SOS on iPhone 14+ for crises.
  • Screen Time Passcode Alerts: Parents get notified if a child unlocks restricted apps.
  • Pride Harmony Wallpaper: Dynamic, animated design celebrating Pride Month.
  • Backtap Control: Disable pop-up banners when double/triple-tapping your iPhone’s back.

How does satellite texting work? Learn more in our iOS 18.5 deep dive and iOS 18.5 tips.

2. Performance & Stability

Speed & Responsiveness

  • iOS 18.4: Smoother animations, fewer app crashes. Fixes laggy notifications and CarPlay disconnects.
  • iOS 18.5: Further polishes iOS 18.4 fixes. Better stability for Apple Vision Pro app and wireless CarPlay.
Task iOS 18.4 iOS 18.5
App Launch (Camera) 1.3 seconds 1.2 seconds
Geekbench 6 Score 3,500 3,480

Verdict: Nearly identical speeds. iOS 18.5 slightly edges out for background tasks.

Battery Life

Both updates improve efficiency, but results vary by iPhone model:

Activity iOS 18.4 Drain iOS 18.5 Drain
1hr YouTube 14% 13%
30min Call 7% 7%
Standby (Overnight) 3-5% 3-4%

Tip: Disable Background App Refresh (Settings > General) to save power on either version.

3. Security & Privacy

iOS 18.4 Updates

  • HTTPS Certificates in Safari: Check website security under ••• > Connection Security.
  • Privacy Dot Animation: Mic/camera indicators move smoothly with Dynamic Island.
  • 20+ Patches: Fixes for Wi-Fi spoofing, app vulnerabilities, and data leaks.

iOS 18.5 Updates

  • Critical Fixes:
    • CarPlay: Random music pauses/disconnects resolved.
    • Vision Pro App: No more black screens.
    • Notifications: Fewer animation glitches.

4. App-Specific Changes

Photos & Camera

  • iOS 18.4:
    • Reorder media types (Videos, Live Photos) in Albums.
    • Filter by “Not in an Album” or “Synced from Mac/PC.”
  • iOS 18.5:
    • No major changes. Focuses on under-the-hood optimizations.

Messages

  • iOS 18.4: Genmoji works in WhatsApp/Messenger.
  • iOS 18.5: RCS messaging expands to T-Mobile MVNOs (e.g., Mint Mobile).

Apple News+

  • iOS 18.4: Recipe catalog with step-by-step cooking guides.
  • iOS 18.5: No new additions.

5. Parental Controls

  • iOS 18.4: App limits persist even if kids delete/reinstall apps.
  • iOS 18.5: Passcode Alerts notify parents when a child bypasses Screen Time.

Pro Tip: Rename your child’s device (e.g., “Emma’s iPad”) in Settings > General > About for clearer alerts.

Device-Specific Considerations

iPhone 13 Owners

  • iOS 18.5 is a Must: Satellite texting is a game-changer for hiking/camping.
  • iOS 18.4: Skip unless you need multilingual Apple Intelligence.

iPhone 15 Pro/16 Users

  • iOS 18.4: Unlocks Visual Intelligence (camera-based object scanning).
  • iOS 18.5: Adds minor refinements.

Older iPhones (XR, 11, 12)

  • Both updates offer similar performance. Prioritize iOS 18.5 for critical security fixes.

How to Decide: Should You Update to iOS 18.5?

Update to iOS 18.5 If You…

  1. Need Satellite Texts: iPhone 13 users in areas with poor cell service.
  2. Manage Kids’ Screen Time: Passcode alerts prevent secret app access.
  3. Use CarPlay Daily: Fewer disconnects and smoother music playback.
  4. Want the Latest Security: Patches for CarPlay, Vision Pro, and notifications.

Stay on iOS 18.4 If You…

  1. Use Apple Intelligence in New Languages: French, German, Japanese, etc.
  2. Love Customization: Ambient Music and new emojis add fun tweaks.
  3. Rely on RCS Messaging: Expanded carrier support for Android texting.

Warning: You can’t downgrade after updating! Backup your data first via iCloud or a computer.

Step-by-Step Update Guide

  1. Backup Your iPhone:
    • iCloud: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
    • Computer: Connect to a Mac/PC and use Finder or iTunes.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi: Avoid cellular data charges.
  3. Install the Update:
    • Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
    • Tap Download and Install for iOS 18.4 or 18.5.

FAQs: iOS 18.5 vs. iOS 18.4

1. Should I update to iOS 18.5 if I’m already on iOS 18.4?

Yes, if:

  • You own an iPhone 13 and want satellite texting.
  • You need parental alerts for Screen Time passcode use.
  • You use CarPlay and want fewer disconnects.
    No, if:
  • You rely on Apple Intelligence in new languages (e.g., French, Japanese).
  • You prefer iOS 18.4’s Ambient Music or emojis.

2. Can I downgrade to iOS 18.4 after updating to iOS 18.5?

No. Apple stops signing older iOS versions within days of a new release. Once you update, you can’t go back. Always back up your iPhone before installing updates.

3. Does iOS 18.5 improve battery life compared to iOS 18.4?

Both updates offer similar battery performance. On average:

  • iOS 18.4: 14% drain after 1 hour of YouTube.
  • iOS 18.5: 13% drain under the same conditions.
    For longer battery life, disable Background App Refresh (Settings > General).

4. Will my iPhone XR or older support these updates?

Yes, but with limitations:

  • iOS 18.4/18.5 work on iPhone XR, 11, 12, etc.
  • Satellite texting requires iPhone 13 or newer.
  • Visual Intelligence needs iPhone 15 Pro/16.

5. Is iOS 18.5 more secure than iOS 18.4?

Yes. iOS 18.5 patches critical issues like:

  • CarPlay music playback failures.
  • Apple Vision Pro app crashes.
  • Notification Center glitches.
    For maximum security, update to iOS 18.5.

Conclusion

Choose iOS 18.5 if you own an iPhone 13, manage kids’ screen time, or prioritize stability. Stick with iOS 18.4 for multilingual Apple Intelligence or niche features like Ambient Music. Both updates run smoothly, but iOS 18.5 is recommended for most users due to its security fixes and satellite support.

Explore our iOS 18.5 review here and iOS 26 vs iOS 18.5 here

Need more tips? Check out our iOS 18.4 customization guide and iOS 18.5 tricks.

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