Apple has officially released iOS 18.5, providing some exciting updates and new features to compatible iPhones. It includes carrier-based satellite messaging which will rollout for iPhone 13 . The update now allows iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max on T-Mobile in the U.S. to experiment with the Starlink-powered satellite messaging – it will be free until July.

Importantly, the support is only for carrier-based satellite, Apple’s Emergency SOS by satellite is still limited to only iPhone 14 and newer.

iOS 18.5: What to Expect?

iOS 18.5 also added carrier-based satellite support with several enhancements, including a new Pride Harmony wallpaper to celebrate Pride Month and an upgrade to Screen Time – parents will receive a notification when a child used the Screen Time passcode, just a little extra peace of mind.

Additional changes include support for “Buy with iPhone” when purchasing content in the Apple TV app on other devices, and a bug fixes where the Apple Vision Pro app may appear with a black screen.

Apple also released macOS Sequoia 15.5, and watchOS 11.5 along with this update. Some features may vary based on device model and region.

For full details and device compatibility, users are encouraged to check Apple’s support documentation.