iOS 18.5 Should I Update? Discover features, risks and my honest experience to decide if it’s right for your iPhone.
Hey there … It’s me, sitting in a cozy corner of my living room, iPhone in hand, and staring at that little “Update Available” badge. I’ve been using my iPhone 13 for months, and when I saw the prompt for ios 18.5 should i update, a mix of excitement and hesitation rushed in. Because, let’s face it: major updates always bring promise and risk. So, I decided to dig into the Latest Updates, the new features, the pitfalls, the regional quirks (yes … Pakistan included), and my own experience, so you don’t have to wonder “ios 18.5 should i update” alone.
What’s New in iOS 18.5 … The Fun Bits and Hidden Tweaks
When I tapped Download & Install, I wasn’t expecting a radical overhaul … and indeed, ios 18.5 should i update isn’t about a massive redesign, but meaningful refinements. According to the official release notes, the update includes: a new “Pride Harmony” lock‑screen wallpaper, a parental alert when a Screen Time passcode is used on a child’s device, support for “Buy with iPhone” on the Apple TV app via a third‑party device, a fix for the Vision Pro app black screen, and support for carrier‑provided satellite features on iPhone 13 models.
More behind the scenes:
- The carrier‑provided satellite connectivity support for iPhone 13 (all models) is a standout feature. If your carrier enables it, you get satellite messaging when no cellular/wifi signal is available. MacRumors+2The Sun+2
- Mail app tweaks: In some regions this update includes changes to the “All Mail” inbox view and the ability to hide contact photos in Mail.
- Security: The update patches multiple vulnerabilities (kernel, Bluetooth/Core Bluetooth) … a quiet but vital reason to consider updating. New York Post+1
So, from fresh wallpapers to parental controls to the possibility of texting via satellite … it’s not earth‑shattering, but it is meaningful. In my case I was curious about the satellite option (even though in Lahore I wasn’t sure if it’d work) and liked the idea of improved security.
My Experience (Spoiler: Mixed, But Optimistic)
I updated around mid‑May and for the first day I felt like a kid who got new shoes: things looked shiny. The lock screen wallpaper looked crisp, Screen Time notifications for my kid were working as promised. But around day two I noticed the battery was dipping faster than usual … and yes, I asked myself again ios 18.5 should i update and silently cursed my eagerness.
Turns out, according to a number of users on Reddit and Apple forums, battery drain is a recurring complaint after installing iOS 18.5. Some folks say it’s just the phone reindexing or doing extra system work; others say it’s persistent. My situation: the drain lasted about 48 hours, then it settled to near‑normal levels. Others aren’t as lucky. It’s a reminder: post‑update “settling” is real. 9to5Mac+3Apple Support+3MacRumors Forums+3
Regional & Pakistan‑Specific Considerations
If you’re reading this from Lahore (like I am), or somewhere in Pakistan, a few extra notes:
- The satellite messaging support for iPhone 13 is tech‑cool but carrier dependent. From what I gathered, Pakistani carriers (Jazz, Zong, etc.) hadn’t clearly advertised support yet, so you might not see the satellite option despite updating.
- That means when asking “ios 18.5 should i update”, you should weigh how much the “feature” matters if it’s not available in your region.
- Because of potential slower local backups / data usage, ensure you have solid WiFi, charger, and free storage (5‑10 GB or more) before installing. I did this and it saved me from a sluggish install.
The Risks (Because Yes, It’s Not All Sunshine)
Here are the things I didn’t expect (or I knew might happen but hoped wouldn’t):
- Battery Drain & Heating … As above, many users report faster drain or “warm near camera” behaviour after update.
- Feature Availability Mismatch … Want that satellite texting? If your carrier hasn’t enabled it, you’ll feel the hype without the payoff.
- Update Size & Storage Stress … If your iPhone is low on space, the update can get stuck or behave sluggishly.
- App Compatibility Issues … Some older/less maintained apps might misbehave on iOS 18.5. One fix: update all apps AFTER OS install.
- Temporary Instability … First 24‑72 hours may feel odd (reindexing, syncing). Wait it out before judging performance. Geeky Gadgets
So… “ios 18.5 should i update”? My Recommendation
Here’s my verdict (with you in mind):
Yes, you should update if:
- You care about security and want the latest patches.
- You’re using an iPhone 13 model and your carrier supports the satellite feature (or you’re okay if it doesn’t yet).
- You don’t mind waiting 1‑3 days post‑update to see things settle and are okay managing minor hiccups.
Maybe wait if:
- You depend heavily on your phone for long battery life every day (travel, work all day) and can’t risk possible first‑day drain.
- You’re on a non‑supported carrier for the satellite feature and the new “extras” don’t matter much to you.
- You prefer letting others act as “guinea pigs” and you wait for iOS 18.5.x with bug fixes.
How to update smartly (my “real user” checklist):
- Backup your iPhone (iCloud or computer).
- Make sure you have WiFi + connect to charger.
- Free up at least 5‑10 GB of storage.
- After update, monitor battery: Settings → Battery → Usage by App.
- Update all apps.
- If battery drain persists after ~72 hours, consider cleaning up background refresh, widgets, or waiting for next update.
Why This Matters for You (and Me)
Here’s the part I always talk about when I write: it’s not just about “should I update” … it’s about should YOU update when YOU value what matters. For me, as someone using an iPhone 13 in Pakistan, I felt the feature list enough to proceed … yes, with caution. Your situation might differ.
When I asked myself “ios 18.5 should i update”, I wasn’t thinking just about cool wallpapers … I was thinking about my workflow, my apps, my battery life, and how my phone fits into my day. That’s the mindset you should have too.
And yes … There’s something satisfying about being on the latest OS. It’s like giving your phone a little refresh, a fresh start. But it doesn’t have to be impulsive. A mindful update beats a rushed regret.
Quick Pros & Cons (so you don’t scroll back)
Pros:
- Satellite connectivity for iPhone 13 (carrier‑dependent)
- Parental alert for Screen Time passcode use
- New wallpaper, Mail tweaks
- Critical security fixes
Cons:
- Battery drain? Some users report yes.
- Feature availability may be limited regionally.
- The initial period of system work may slow things down.
- Some apps might misbehave until updated.
Key Takings:
- So, when you find yourself typing (or thinking) “ios 18.5 should i update”… pause for a second and ask: “What do I care about? What am I willing to risk today for the benefit of tomorrow?”
- From my journey, I updated, got the new features, watched the battery settle and ended up happy.
- If I had needed perfect battery life from day one, I might’ve waited a week.
- If you’re ready, back up, plug in, hit update … and enjoy the little extras that came with iOS 18.5.
- If you’re cautious, wait a little, monitor feedback from users in your region and update when it feels right.
- Either way, you now have the complete picture to make your decision and you don’t need to wonder anymore: ios 18.5 should i update? You can answer with confidence.
