iOS 18.5 vs. iOS 19: Full Comparison of Every Feature

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Apple is always updating the software that runs on our iPhones. In 2025, we have two important updates to talk about: iOS 18.5, a smaller update from May, and the huge new iOS 19, which is coming this September.

But what is the difference between them? Which one is better?

This detailed guide will compare every feature of iOS 18.5 and the upcoming iOS 19. We will look at everything from the home screen and security to brand-new apps. Let’s see what’s new and what has changed!

Understanding the Updates

First, let’s understand what these two versions are:

  • iOS 18.5 (Released May 12, 2025): This was a smaller update to the iOS 18 system. Think of it like a tune-up for your car. It fixed some bugs, made the phone run a little smoother, and added a few small improvements to existing features. Its main job was to make iOS 18 more stable.
  • iOS 19 (Coming September 2025): This is a major, brand-new version of the iPhone’s operating system. It’s like getting a whole new car! iOS 19 introduces big changes, new apps, and a fresh look. It was first shown to developers in June 2025 and will be released to everyone in September.

Comparison Table: iOS 18.5 vs. iOS 19

 

This table gives you a quick side-by-side look at what each version offers.

Feature iOS 18.5 (The Older Update) iOS 19 (The Big New Update)
Main Idea A small update to fix bugs and improve performance. A major update with brand-new AI features.
Home Screen Standard grid of apps and widgets. Smart Home Screen that changes based on your needs.
AI (Intelligence) Basic Siri and photo suggestions. “Apple Intelligence” deeply integrated everywhere.
Siri Can do simple commands. Can have full conversations and control apps better.
Control Center Standard layout you cannot change. Customizable – you can add and move buttons.
Messages App Standard iMessage features. AI helps write texts; better support for Android texts (RCS).
Photos App A simple photo gallery. AI organizes photos and has a “Magic Eraser” to remove objects.
New Apps No new apps were added. A new “Passwords” App to keep logins safe.
App Security No option to lock individual apps. You can lock any app with Face ID or a passcode.
Safari Browser Standard web browser. AI can summarize long web pages for you instantly.
Apple Maps Standard turn-by-turn directions. Create custom routes and see maps for hiking.
Notifications A simple list of all your alerts. AI organizes notifications to show you what’s important first.

 

List of Features: Easy to Read

Here are the same features broken down into simple lists for each version.

iOS 18.5 Features (The Smaller Update)

  • Bug Fixes: Fixed problems and errors from previous versions.
  • Performance Boost: Made the iPhone run a little faster and smoother.
  • Security Updates: Protected the phone from new security threats.
  • Minor Tweaks: Made small improvements to existing apps.

Think of iOS 18.5 as a quick tune-up for your iPhone.

iOS 19 Features (The Big New Update)

  • Apple Intelligence: This is the main new feature. AI is now in almost every part of the phone, making it smarter and more helpful.
  • Smarter Siri: You can have real conversations with Siri, and it can do more for you.
  • Dynamic Home Screen: Your home screen can automatically show you the most useful apps at different times of the day.
  • Customizable Control Center: You can finally change the buttons in your Control Center to match what you use most.
  • AI-Powered Messages: Get help writing texts and enjoy better chats with Android users.
  • Photos “Magic Eraser”: Easily remove people or objects you don’t want in your photos.
  • New Passwords App: A dedicated app to securely store all your passwords in one place.
  • Lock Individual Apps: You can now use Face ID or your passcode to lock specific apps like Photos, Messages, or banking apps for extra privacy.
  • Safari Article Summaries: The Safari browser can read a long article and give you a short summary.
  • Better Apple Maps: Plan your own custom routes and use special maps for hiking trails.
  • Smarter Notifications: AI organizes your alerts so you see the important ones and don’t get distracted by the rest.
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