Six Key Settings To Adjust After Updating To IOS 18.5

James

3 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Six Key iOS 18.5 Settings You Need to Tweak Today!

Apple's iOS 18.5 is finally here, packed with exciting new features and performance improvements. But before you dive into exploring the shiny new additions, there are several key settings you should adjust to optimize your experience and ensure your privacy and security are top-notch. Don't just blindly accept the defaults – take control of your iPhone!

This article will guide you through six crucial settings to modify after upgrading to iOS 18.5. We'll explain why these adjustments are important and how to make them, ensuring a smoother, more personalized, and secure iOS experience.

1. Review Your Privacy Settings: A Fresh Start

iOS 18.5, like its predecessors, places a strong emphasis on user privacy. However, it’s vital to review your privacy settings after every major update. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security and meticulously examine each section:

• Location Services: Carefully review which apps have access to your precise location. Limit access to only those apps that truly need it.
• Tracking: Ensure that “Allow Apps to Request to Track” is turned off unless you explicitly want apps to track your activity for advertising purposes.
• Photos: Control which apps have access to your photos. Only grant access to trusted applications.

Taking this time to reassess your privacy settings ensures that your personal information remains protected in the updated iOS environment.

2. Master the Focus Mode Features: Enhance Productivity

iOS 18.5 often refines its Focus modes, offering enhanced customization. Head to Settings > Focus and explore the options:

• Customize Existing Modes: Adjust the allowed notifications and app permissions for each Focus mode (e.g., Work, Sleep, Personal).
• Create New Modes: Tailor Focus modes to your specific needs. Perhaps you need a "Driving" mode to minimize distractions while behind the wheel.
• Automation: Schedule your Focus modes automatically to activate at specific times or locations.

Effective use of Focus modes can significantly improve your productivity and well-being by managing distractions.

3. Manage Your Notification Preferences: Silence the Noise

Nobody likes notification overload! iOS 18.5 might have altered some default notification settings. Go to Settings > Notifications and:

• Review Individual App Notifications: Disable unnecessary notifications or adjust their alert styles (banners, sounds, etc.) for each app.
• Silence Unwanted Notifications: Use the "Do Not Disturb" feature effectively to silence notifications during specific times or while using certain apps.
• Customize Notification Grouping: Group similar notifications together to reduce clutter.

4. Optimize Battery Health: Extend Your iPhone's Life

Battery life is crucial. While iOS 18.5 generally optimizes battery performance, checking these settings is a good practice:

• Low Power Mode: Enable Low Power Mode automatically when your battery level drops below a certain percentage. This can significantly extend your battery life. (Settings > Battery)
• Background App Refresh: Limit background activity for apps you rarely use. (Settings > General > Background App Refresh)
• Screen Brightness: Reduce screen brightness to save power. Utilize the "Auto-Brightness" feature for optimal adjustment based on your environment.

5. Explore the Updated Control Center: Quick Access to Essentials

iOS 18.5 may bring changes to the Control Center. Swipe down from the top right corner (or top left on some models) to check:

• Customize Controls: Add or remove frequently used controls like flashlight, low power mode, screen recording, and more. (Long-press the Control Center and tap "Customize Controls")
• Rearrange Controls: Reorder your controls for easier access.

6. Software Updates: Stay on Top of Security Patches

While you've just updated, make sure automatic updates are enabled for future security patches and feature enhancements. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and enable automatic downloads and installations. This is crucial for maintaining the security and optimal performance of your device.

By diligently adjusting these six key settings, you’ll unlock the full potential of iOS 18.5, ensuring a secure, personalized, and efficient mobile experience. Don't hesitate to explore other settings within iOS 18.5 to further customize your iPhone to your liking. Happy exploring!