Apple has just launched the fourth round of developer betas for its upcoming software updates, including iOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, iPadOS 18.5, tvOS 18.5, watchOS 11.5, and visionOS 2.5. This rollout follows the third round, which was seeded to testers only a week prior, on April 21.
Each new beta comes with updated build numbers, replacing the previous versions. For example, iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 now use build 22F5068a, while macOS 15.5 has been bumped to 24F5068b.
What’s New in the Betas?
The early builds in this round brought small but useful features, such as the option to toggle contact photos in the Mail app. However, Apple has mostly focused these latest updates on performance and bug fixes rather than flashy visual changes.
This indicates the company may be preparing for a more stable public release in the near future. Although not yet confirmed, the final versions could arrive later this year.
Caution Advised for Testers
Apple and industry experts continue to advise developers and users to avoid installing beta software on primary devices. Beta builds often contain bugs that could disrupt everyday use or even lead to data loss. Testers are encouraged to use secondary devices and back up important files before installing.
A Gradual March Toward Final Release
With each new beta release, Apple gets closer to finalizing its next wave of software updates. While these changes may seem minor now, they serve as important steps in refining the user experience before the official launch.
For now, developers and curious tech enthusiasts can explore the new builds—just as long as they proceed with caution.
