Apple has officially rolled out iOS 18.5, urging iPhone users to update their devices as soon as possible. This new update addresses a range of critical security vulnerabilities and numerous bug fixes. With 33 key reasons to upgrade, iOS 18.5 ensures enhanced security, better performance, and overall improved functionality for supported devices.
One of the main reasons to install iOS 18.5 immediately is its extensive list of security patches. Apple does not often reveal the full details of these flaws, allowing as many users as possible to update their devices before attackers can exploit the vulnerabilities. Notably, iOS 18.5 fixes two significant vulnerabilities in the Kernel, the core of the operating system, which could allow a remote attacker to force an app or the entire system to unexpectedly crash.
In addition to Kernel issues, iOS 18.5 also fixes multiple bugs in WebKit, which is the engine behind Apple’s Safari browser. Among these is CVE-2025-24213, identified by the Google V8 Security Team, a type confusion issue that could result in memory corruption, leaving the system vulnerable to exploitation.
Other notable fixes in iOS 18.5 include a flaw in Core Bluetooth that could allow an app to access sensitive user data, and a security hole in iCloud document sharing that could enable attackers to turn on file-sharing permissions without proper authentication. A vulnerability in mDNSResponder (tracked as CVE-2025-31222) could also allow an attacker to escalate privileges on the affected device.
Additionally, iOS 18.5 resolves CVE-2024-8176, a code execution vulnerability in libexpat, which is part of open-source software commonly used by various projects, including Apple’s own software.
Why iPhone Users Should Update to iOS 18.5 Now
This update is packed with over 30 important security fixes, making it a crucial installation for any iPhone user. Alongside enhanced privacy features powered by artificial intelligence, the update includes several improvements to the Mail app and introduces a new Pride Harmony wallpaper to celebrate diversity.
It is essential to install iOS 18.5 as soon as possible, especially since none of the vulnerabilities addressed have been exploited in real-world attacks. However, with more time, attackers could take advantage of these flaws to compromise devices.
iOS 18.5 is available for a wide range of Apple devices, including the iPhone XS and newer models, iPad Pro (13-inch, 12.9-inch 3rd generation and newer), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (7th generation and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and newer).
