20 Tips and Tricks for iOS 18.5: Hidden Features, Unlock Your iPhone’s Full Potential

Apple’s iOS 18.5 released on 12 May 2025, and while it’s not the biggest iPhone update ever, it’s packed with hidden gems that make your device smarter and easier to use.

Whether you’re a parent, a traveler, or just someone who loves customizing their iPhone, this guide will walk you through the coolest features step-by-step. Let’s dive in!

1. Mail App: See All Your Emails in One Place

Problem Solved: No more jumping between categories to find emails!

  • How It Works: Open the Mail app. If you use categories (like “Primary” or “Promotions”), swipe right on the top bar to reveal the new “All Mail” tab. Tap it to see every email in your inbox.
  • Bonus Tip: Tap the three dots (•••) in the top-right corner to toggle “Show Contact Photos” on/off. This makes your inbox look cleaner or more personal, depending on your style.

2. Apple Care & Warranty: Track Your Coverage Easily

Problem Solved: Confused about your device’s warranty? Check it in seconds!

  • How It Works: Go to Settings > General > Apple Care & Warranty.
  • What’s New?
    • A redesigned menu with larger text and clear expiration dates.
    • Tap any device (like your iPhone or AirPods) to see coverage details, repair options, and how to add Apple Care+.
    • Pro Tip: Rename devices in Settings > General > About > Name to avoid confusion (e.g., “Mom’s iPhone” or “Work iPad”).

3. Backtap: Get Rid of Annoying Pop-Ups

Problem Solved: Hate the banner that appears when you double-tap your iPhone’s back?

  • How It Works:
    1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Backtap.
    2. Choose “Double Tap” or “Triple Tap” and assign an action (e.g., flashlight, screenshot).
    3. Toggle off “Show Banner” to stop notifications from popping up.

4. iPhone 13 Satellite Texts (T-Mobile Users)

Problem Solved: Need to send a text but have no cell signal?

  • How It Works:
    1. Open Settings > Cellular > Satellite.
    2. Toggle on “Allow Satellite Connectivity”.
    3. Note: This only works outdoors with a clear sky view. Learn how satellite connectivity differs from previous iOS versions.

5. Screen Time Alerts for Parents

Problem Solved: Worried your child guessed your Screen Time passcode?

  • How It Works:
    1. Update all family devices to iOS 18.5.
    2. If your child enters the correct passcode on their device, you’ll get an alert like this:

      “Screen Time passcode used on [Device Name].”

    3. Pro Tip: Rename their device for clarity (e.g., “Emma’s iPad”) in Settings > General > About > Name.

6. Pride Harmony Wallpaper: Animated & Always-On

Problem Solved: Bored of your lock screen? Try Apple’s new rainbow design!

  • How to Set It Up:
    1. Press and hold your lock screen.
    2. Tap the + button, scroll to “Pride”, and select “Pride Harmony”.
    3. Watch the colors shift when you wake your phone or use Always-On Display!

7. Buy Apple TV Shows on Your Smart TV

Problem Solved: Don’t want to type passwords on your TV? Use your iPhone!

  • How It Works:
    1. On your TV’s Apple TV app, select a movie or show to buy.
    2. Choose “Buy with iPhone” and confirm using Face ID or Touch ID.

8. Podcast Widgets: Never Miss an Episode

Problem Solved: Forget where you left off in your favorite podcast?

  • How It Works:
    1. Long-press your home screen and tap the + button.
    2. Search for “Podcasts” and add the “Library” or “Up Next”widget.
    3. Bonus: Tap the widget to customize it (e.g., show latest episodes or a specific show).

Feature Comparison Table

Feature iOS 18.4 iOS 18.5
Satellite Connectivity iPhone 14+ only iPhone 13+ with T-Mobile
Screen Time Alerts No notifications Parent alerts added
Mail App Categories Hidden “All Mail” tab Visible “All Mail” preview

For a full breakdown, check our iOS 18.5 vs. iOS 18.4 guide.

9. 5G Standalone Mode (Airtel India Users)

Problem Solved: Faster speeds for calls and data!

  • How It Works:
    1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Voice & Data.
    2. Select “5G Standalone”.
    3. Note: This uses more battery but improves performance.

10. RCS Messaging (India)

Problem Solved: Send high-quality photos and videos to Android users.

  • How It Works:
    1. Go to Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging.
    2. Toggle it on for richer texts.

11. Carrier Settings Update

Problem Solved: Fix network issues after updating iOS.

  • How It Works:
    1. Go to Settings > General > About.
    2. If a carrier update pops up, tap “Update”.

12. Automate World Clock for Travel

Problem Solved: Forget time zones when traveling.

  • How It Works:
    1. Open Shortcuts > Automation > +.
    2. Choose “Arrive” and pick a location (e.g., Paris).
    3. Add action: “Clock > Add City”.
    4. Result: Your iPhone auto-adds Paris to World Clock when you land!

13. Fix CarPlay Glitches

Problem Solved: Music stops playing or disconnects?

  • How It Works:
    1. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay.
    2. Tap your car’s name and select “Forget This Car”.
    3. Reconnect via Bluetooth or USB.

For more CarPlay fixes, read our iOS 18.5 beta review.

14. Save Storage with Apple Intelligence

Problem Solved: Running out of space?

  • How It Works:
    1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
    2. Check the “iOS” section to see reduced system storage usage.

15. UNO on Apple Arcade

Problem Solved: Bored during downtime? Play UNO!

  • How It Works: Open the Apple Arcade app and search for “UNO”.

16. News App Food Section

Problem Solved: Find recipes faster.

  • How It Works: Open Apple News > Following > Food for cooking ideas.

17. Hide Email Addresses in Apps

Problem Solved: Tired of spam? Use a fake email!

  • How It Works:
    1. When signing up for apps, tap “Hide My Email”.
    2. Apple creates a fake address that forwards to your real inbox.

18. Customize App Icons

Problem Solved: Make your home screen unique.

  • How It Works:
    1. Long-press an app and tap “Edit Home Screen”.
    2. Tap the app icon and choose “Choose Photo” to assign a custom image.

19. Quick Notes from Lock Screen

Problem Solved: Jot down ideas without unlocking your phone.

  • How It Works:
    1. Press and hold the Notes app on the lock screen.
    2. Tap “New Note” to start typing.

20. Reset Forgotten Screen Time Passcode

Problem Solved: Locked out of Screen Time?

  • How It Works:
    1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
    2. Tap “Change Screen Time Passcode” > “Forgot Passcode?”.
    3. Enter your Apple ID to reset it.

For more Screen Time strategies, explore our iOS 18.4 tips.

FAQ: iOS 18.5 Questions Answered

1. How do I enable satellite texting on my iPhone 13 with T-Mobile?

Answer:
To use satellite texting on your iPhone 13:

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Satellite.
  2. Toggle on “Allow Satellite Connectivity”.
  3. Ensure you’re outdoors with a clear view of the sky.

Note: This feature is exclusive to T-Mobile users in the U.S. and only supports texting (no calls or internet). For a deeper dive into satellite features, read our iOS 18.5 review.

2. Why isn’t my CarPlay working after updating to iOS 18.5?

Answer: Try these steps:

  1. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap your car’s name, and select “Forget This Car”.
  2. Restart your iPhone.
  3. Reconnect your car via Bluetooth or USB cable.

If issues persist, check if your car’s firmware is updated. For more troubleshooting, visit our iOS 18.4 tips guide.

3. Can I use the new Pride Harmony wallpaper on older iPhone models?

Answer: Yes! The Pride Harmony wallpaper works on all iPhones that support iOS 18, including:

  • iPhone XR, XS, or newer
  • iPhone SE (2nd gen or later)

To set it up:

  1. Press and hold your lock screen.
  2. Tap the + button, scroll to “Pride”, and select the wallpaper.

4. How do I stop notifications when my child uses the Screen Time passcode?

Answer:
You can’t disable these alerts—they’re automatic in iOS 18.5. However, you can:

  • Rename their device for clarity (Settings > General > About > Name).
  • Review Screen Time settings in our iOS 18.4 tips post.

5. What should I do if I don’t see the carrier settings update after installing iOS 18.5?

Answer:
Carrier updates often install automatically, but you can manually check:

  1. Go to Settings > General > About.
  2. If an update appears, tap “Update”.
  3. Restart your iPhone.

If no update shows, contact your carrier. For more on iOS updates, see our iOS 18.5 vs. 18.4 comparison.

Conclusion

iOS 18.5 brings helpful tweaks for everyday iPhone use, from parental controls to satellite texting. You can also explore our detailed iOS 18.5 review or compare it to older versions.