Apple released iPadOS 18.5 on 12 May 2025, and while it might not be the flashiest update, it’s packed with small but powerful changes that make your iPad smarter, safer, and more fun to use.
Whether you’re a student taking notes, a parent managing screen time, or someone who loves customizing their device, this update has something for everyone. Let’s dive into 15 hidden gems you won’t want to miss!
1. Peek at Your “All Mail” Section (Mail App)
In the Mail app, Apple added a handy preview of your “All Mail” section. When you’re in your Primary inbox, swipe slightly to the left, and you’ll see a small “peek” of the All Mail category. Tap it to view every email in your account without digging through folders.
Why it’s cool: No more getting lost in your inbox! This makes switching between filtered and unfiltered emails super quick.
2. Turn Contact Photos On/Off Instantly
Tired of seeing tiny profile pictures next to emails? Tap the three dots (…) in the Mail app’s top-right corner and toggle “Show Contact Photos” on or off. No more visiting Settings!
Pro Tip: Use this to declutter your inbox during busy school weeks.
3. Customize Your Mail Toolbar
Did you know you can rearrange buttons like “Unread” or “Flag” in the Mail app? Tap the three dots (…), select “Customize Toolbar”, and drag your favorite tools to the top.
Example:
| Default Tools | Customized Tools |
|---|---|
| Delete, Reply | Flag, Unread, Move |
4. Get Alerts When Kids Bypass Screen Time
Parents, this one’s for you! If your child guesses your Screen Time passcode, iPadOS 18.5 will notify you immediately. You’ll also see when the passcode was last used in Settings > Screen Time.
Why it matters: Now you can adjust limits before they binge-watch cartoons all night.
5. Fancy New Pride Wallpapers
Celebrate Pride Month with dynamic wallpapers that animate when you unlock your iPad! Go to Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper > Pride and pick your favorite design.
Fun Fact: The colors shift every time you wake your screen!
6. Approve Apple TV Purchases on Your iPad
Renting a movie on a Samsung or LG TV? A pop-up will ask you to confirm the purchase on your iPad instead of typing your password on the TV.
How it works:
- Select a movie on your TV.
- Check your iPad for a notification.
- Tap “Approve” to complete the purchase.
7. Cook with 70,000+ Recipes (Apple News+)
Apple News+ subscribers can now access a massive recipe library in the News app. Tap the “Food” section to explore dishes from top chefs.
Example Recipe:
| Dish | Time | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Chip Cookies | 25 mins | Easy |
8. Stream “Viral Hits” Playlists (Music App)
Some users report a new “Viral Hits” playlist in the Music app. It’s packed with trending songs from TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—perfect for study breaks!
9. Send Better Texts to Android Friends (RCS)
In India, Apple added RCS messaging for smoother texting with Android users. Enable it on your iPhone (since iPads don’t have cellular messaging):
- Go to Settings > Messages.
- Turn on “RCS Messaging”.
Result: Higher-quality photos and typing indicators!
10. Faster 5G for Airtel Users
If you’re in India and use Airtel cellular, enable 5G Standalone for faster speeds:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options.
- Tap “Voice & Data” and select 5G Standalone.
11. Check Device Warranties in Settings
Wondering if your iPad is still under warranty? Go to Settings > General > Apple Care & Warranty to see coverage details for all your Apple devices.
Example:
| Device | Coverage Status | Expiration |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro | Apple Care+ | May 14, 2025 |
12. Battery Life Boost (M4 iPad Pro)
iPadOS 18.5 optimizes battery usage, especially on the M4 iPad Pro. Light users can get up to 12 hours of streaming or web browsing!
Battery Test Results:
| Activity | Screen Time | Battery Used |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | 3 hours | 15% |
| Gaming | 1.5 hours | 30% |
For more ways to extend battery life, see our iPadOS 18.5 beta review.
13. Security Upgrades
Apple quietly added security patches to protect against hackers. While details are scarce, updates like these keep your data safe from new threats.
14. Hide “Priority Messages” in Mail
If Apple’s AI-powered “Priority Messages” feature isn’t helpful, turn it off:
- Tap the three dots (…) in Mail.
- Toggle off “Priority Messages”.
15. Manage Apple Care Plans
The Apple Care & Warranty menu now lets you buy or extend coveragedirectly from Settings. No more calling Apple Support!
FAQ: iPadOS 18.5 – Your Questions Answered
1. How do I turn off contact photos in the Mail app?
Answer: Open the Mail app, tap the three dots (…) in the top-right corner, and toggle off “Show Contact Photos”. This instantly hides profile pictures next to emails without needing to visit Settings.
2. Will I get notified if my child guesses the Screen Time passcode?
Answer: Yes! iPadOS 18.5 sends a notification to your device if someone enters the Screen Time passcode. You can also check the last time it was used in Settings > Screen Time. For more tips on managing Screen Time, see our iPadOS 18.5 vs 18.4 comparison.
3. Do the Pride wallpapers change colors?
Answer: Absolutely! The dynamic Pride wallpapers animate subtly when you unlock or lock your iPad. The colors shift slightly each time you wake the screen, creating a fun, lively effect.
4. How does approving Apple TV purchases on my iPad work?
Answer: When renting or buying a movie on a non-Apple TV (like Samsung or LG), a notification pops up on your iPad. Tap “Approve” to confirm the purchase instead of typing your password on the TV.
5. Is the battery life really better on the M4 iPad Pro?
Answer: Yes! Tests show light users can get up to 12 hours of streaming or web browsing. Heavy tasks like gaming drain faster, but overall efficiency is improved. For more insights, check our iPadOS 18.5 performance review.
Conclusion
iPadOS 18.5 may not be a massive update, but its thoughtful tweaks make everyday iPad use smoother, safer, and more personalized. Whether you’re managing family screen time, exploring new recipes, or just enjoying vibrant wallpapers, these features add up to a better experience.
Dive deeper into the changes with our iPadOS 18.5 vs 18.4 breakdown or explore hands-on tips in our full iPadOS 18.5 review.