Updated iPhone Features Unveiled in iOS 18.5: A Deeper Dive
New Arrival: iOS 18.5 - 5 Subtle Enhancements That Offer Significant Upgrades
Get ready to sail through your iPhone experiences, as iOS 18.5 hits the shores with several under-the-radar yet game-changing enhancements. Here we've broken down five of the most notable updates that streamline your daily usage.
1. Alerting Back Tap Touches
Back Tap is one of iOS's most undervalued accessibility features that enables quick actions with simple taps on your phone's back. In iOS 18.5, Apple has added an exciting tweak: confirmation alerts when you activate Back Tap - so you'll never question if your input was registered!
To enable these alerts, simply:- Open the Settings app- Navigate to Accessibility- Select Touch- Scroll down and tap Back Tap- Toggle on the Show Banner option
[Enrichment: iOS 18.5 now offers alerts when Back Tap actions are triggered, providing immediate feedback on your input's registration, reducing user confusion.]
2. Customizable Battery Limit
Battery longevity matters if you plan to keep your iPhone for the long haul. Happily, this update provides more control over that very concern. With iOS 18.5, users can now limit the maximum charge their phone reaches, which can help reduce long-term battery wear.
To activate this setting:- Open the Settings app- Choose Battery- Select Charging- Adjust the slider to set a charge limit between 80% and 100%
[Enrichment: By setting a charge limit, you can prolong the lifespan of your device's battery, which is strongly influenced by overcharging.]
3. Screen Time Parental Passcode Alerts
Screen Time has always been an excellent parental control tool. In iOS 18.5, it gets a nifty enhancement: Passcode alerts will now inform you when your Screen Time passcode is entered. This offers additional visibility, helping you ensure your child hasn't bypassed restrictions.
To receive these alerts, make sure:- Screen Time is enabled on both your and your child's device- Your Apple ID is connected to their device
[Enrichment: Parents will now be alerted when the Screen Time passcode is attempted, providing additional security and control.]
4. Mail Display Settings within the App
The Mail app takes a stride forward in usability in iOS 18.5 with more control over display settings straight from the app itself. Previously, toggling features like contact photos required tedious navigation through the main Settings menu. Now, it's just a few taps away!
To find and use these new options:- Open the Mail app- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the screen- Choose your preferred settings, like toggling contact photos on or off, depending on your device setup
[Enrichment: The Mail app now offers in-app control over various display settings, making it more convenient to customize your experience without exiting the app.]
5. New Pride Harmony Wallpaper
Apple regularly rolls out seasonal wallpapers, and iOS 18.5 offers a new, vibrant option: Pride Harmony, available across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Freshen up your device's look with this delightful change!
To use Pride Harmony as your wallpaper:- Open the Settings app- Tap Wallpaper- Select Add New Wallpaper- Choose Pride Harmony from the options, then set it as a Wallpaper Pair for your Lock Screen and Home Screen
[Enrichment: The new Pride Harmony wallpaper is just one small yet accessible way to celebrate inclusivity and diversity throughout the iPhone community.]
With these new features, iOS 18.5 makes your everyday iPhone experience an even smoother and more enjoyable ride! Be sure to check out our other iPhone guides, including:
- 7 underused iPhone features you should try
- 5 iOS 18 Photos features that make a big difference
- Speed up your iPhone with this caching trick
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- As you navigate through iOS 18.5 updates, don't forget to explore the new customizable smartphone features such as the Alerting Back Tap Touches that offer confirmation alerts when activated, providing instant feedback on your input's registration and reducing user confusion.
- Additionally, technology enthusiasts will appreciate the addition of Smartphone Battery Limit options in iOS 18.5 that allow users to set a charge limit for their devices, which can help prolong battery lifespan, especially for those planning to keep their gadgets for extended periods.
