Apple released iOS 18.5 on Monday, expanding emergency satellite capabilities to iPhone 13 owners. This feature was previously available only to those with an iPhone 14 or later.
The emergency satellite system allows users to contact emergency services, send texts via satellite, share information with emergency contacts, and call for roadside assistance when cellular or Wi-Fi signals are unavailable. To check if this feature is accessible, users can navigate to the Cellular menu in their iPhone’s Settings.
The feature has already proven lifesaving, with rescuers crediting it with helping lost and injured hikers and saving people from wildfires. iOS 18.5 also brings several other updates, including a new Screen Time feature that alerts parents if their child enters the parent’s passcode to access Screen Time permissions.
Other improvements include an updated Mail app with easier access to the “All Mail” category, a new Pride wallpaper, and a simplified way to subscribe to content on the Apple TV app. The update also fixes bugs, such as the Apple Vision Pro app launching with a black screen and issues with Siri and enterprise apps not launching.
iOS 18.5 was released alongside iPadOS 18.5, visionOS 2.5, watchOS 11.5, and security updates for macOS Ventura 13.7.6 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.6.
