Discover the Hidden Gems of iOS 18.5

iOS 18.5 has quietly rolled out some impressive features that many iPhone users might not fully appreciate yet. These enhancements aim to simplify your daily interactions with your device, boost usability, and bring fun new ways to engage with your applications. With the excitement surrounding the upcoming iOS 26, there’s no need to overlook what iOS 18.5 offers right now.

Revamped Control Center and New Restart Option

One standout enhancement is the redesigned Control Center, where you can now restart your iPhone without pressing any physical buttons. Simply swipe down from the top-right of the screen and hold the new power button until the slider appears. This change makes it significantly easier to manage your device and saves those precious physical button presses.

Improved Wi-Fi Sharing through QR Codes

Sharing your Wi-Fi password just got simpler with the introduction of QR code functionality. This feature allows you to provide your network credentials easily—perfect for hosting or simple get-togethers. Head to the new Passwords app, select your Wi-Fi network, and generate a QR code. Guests can just scan it to connect, eliminating the need for awkward password exchanges.

Enhanced Flashlight Beam Control

The iPhone flashlight feature now lets you adjust both intensity and beam width. If you have a compatible model, just activate your flashlight and utilize the new interface on the Dynamic Island. Swiping left or right lets you modify the beam width, offering customizable options for different scenarios like photography or nighttime navigation.

Notification Management Made Easy

With the advent of AI-driven notification summaries in iOS 18.1, managing notifications became more streamlined. You can even disable summaries for specific apps directly from your lock screen by swiping left and tapping “Turn Off.” This means you’ll still receive all individual notifications, keeping you in the loop without feeling bombarded.

Share AirTags with Family and Friends

With iOS 18, sharing AirTags is more straightforward than ever. You can now share any AirTag with up to six people through the Find My app. This is especially handy for group trips, allowing your travel companions to help track shared luggage or personal items without hassle.

Optimized Battery Charging for Longevity

Battery life has always been a hot topic for iPhone users. The Optimized Battery Charging feature learns your habits to extend battery lifespan, but you can customize it further. Navigate to Settings > Battery > Charging to set your charging limit between 80% to 100%. This small tweak can significantly reduce the wear on your battery over time.

Voice Memos with Transcription Capabilities

The Voice Memos app now allows transcriptions, making it easier to find that specific recording. Simply tap to edit a memo and use the new transcription feature. This means you can search for specific words directly in your memos, improving that ever-elusive organization in your audio notes.

Declutter Your Home Screen

If you’re looking for a cleaner aesthetic, iOS 18 introduces the option to hide app labels on your home screen. Enter jiggle mode and select the option to enlarge your app icons, making your layout feel fresh and streamlined. It’s a small change that can dramatically alter your app organization and appearance.

AI-Powered Priority Notifications

Managing notifications becomes even smarter in iOS 18. The AI feature now prioritizes important messages on your lock screen. Go to Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications to enable this. Key alerts will appear at the top, ensuring you never miss an important message, call, or email again.

As we anticipate the new features set to launch with iOS 26 later this year, the innovations in iOS 18.5 offer practical upgrades that can enhance your iPhone experience today. From better battery management to sleeker design options, these hidden gems encourage users to dive deeper into what their devices can do.