On May 21, 2025, Apple rolled out iOS 18.5, a release that has been hailed as the most transformative update in the history of iOS. Packed with artificial intelligence (AI) innovations, this update brings a suite of features that promise to enhance productivity, creativity, and connectivity for iPhone users worldwide. Announced in a captivating presentation, the update introduces a range of tools designed to make your iPhone smarter and more intuitive than ever. Let's dive into 10 of the most exciting features that iOS 18.5 has to offer, as highlighted in a recent X post by tech enthusiast Nayeem Sheikh.

1. Visual Intelligence: Your iPhone as a Knowledge Hub

Imagine pointing your iPhone at a restaurant sign and instantly getting its reviews, menu, or hours-or identifying a plant during a hike. iOS 18.5's Visual Intelligence feature makes this a reality. By simply clicking and holding on an object, users can access a wealth of information, from translating text to identifying animals. This feature also lets you add events from posters directly to your calendar, making it a game-changer for travelers and curious minds alike. Whether you're exploring a new city or walking your dog, Visual Intelligence turns your iPhone into a powerful tool for discovery.

2. Image Playground: Unleashing Creative Expression

Creativity takes center stage with the Image Playground app in iOS 18.5. This AI-driven tool allows users to create original images by combining text descriptions, concepts, and even people from their photo library. Want to design a whimsical scene featuring your best friend as a superhero? Image Playground can generate it in seconds. The app's seamless integration with Apple Intelligence ensures that your creations are both vibrant and personalized, offering a fun way to express yourself or craft unique visuals for social media.

3. ChatGPT Integration: Smarter Interactions with Siri

Apple has deepened its partnership with OpenAI, bringing ChatGPT integration directly into iOS 18.5. This upgrade allows users to tap into ChatGPT's capabilities without needing an account, though those with free or paid accounts can connect for a more tailored experience. Whether you're asking complex questions, planning a trip, or generating ideas, ChatGPT works alongside Apple Intelligence to deliver smarter, more accurate responses. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap in Siri's functionality, offering a more robust voice assistant experience for iPhone users.

4. Call Recording and Transcription: A Productivity Boost

For professionals and multitaskers, iOS 18.5 introduces a highly requested feature: call recording and transcription. Now supported on all iOS 18 devices, this tool lets you record phone calls and view transcriptions in the Notes app. Whether you're conducting an interview, capturing a client conversation, or simply saving a meaningful chat, this feature ensures you never miss a detail. Transcriptions are available in select regions and languages, with a note to verify accuracy before relying on them-a thoughtful addition for clarity.

5. Linking iPhones for Cash Transfers: A New Way to Pay

iOS 18.5 takes peer-to-peer payments to the next level with SharePlay's new cash transfer feature. By holding two iPhones close together, users can instantly send money to a friend-no app required. This seamless integration builds on Apple's existing payment ecosystem, offering a quick and secure way to split bills or pay back a friend. Beyond payments, SharePlay also lets you stream content, play games, or listen to music in sync with others, making your iPhone a hub for social connectivity.

6. Apple Intelligence in Mail: Smarter Email Management

Email overload is a thing of the past with iOS 18.5's Apple Intelligence enhancements in the Mail app. This feature uses AI to help you stay on top of your inbox by summarizing long email threads, prioritizing urgent messages, and even suggesting replies based on context. Whether you're a busy professional or a student juggling assignments, Apple Intelligence in Mail ensures you can manage your communications efficiently, saving time and reducing stress.

7. Writing Tools: Elevate Your Communication

Writing just got easier with iOS 18.5's Writing Tools. Powered by Apple Intelligence, these tools allow you to proofread, rewrite, and summarize text with ease. Need to adjust the tone of an email to sound more professional? Writing Tools can help. Want to condense a lengthy report into a concise summary? It's got you covered. You can even compose content from scratch, making this feature a must-have for anyone who writes emails, essays, or social media posts on their iPhone.

8. Smart AI Calculator: Math Made Simple

For students and professionals alike, the Smart AI Calculator in iOS 18.5 is a lifesaver. This advanced calculator handles exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, displaying complete expressions before delivering the final answer. Whether you're solving complex equations or double-checking a budget, the calculator's intuitive interface ensures accuracy and ease. It's a powerful tool that makes math accessible, right from your iPhone's home screen.

9. Notes App Enhancements: Organize with Ease

The Notes app gets a major upgrade in iOS 18.5, introducing smart folders, enhanced search, and seamless syncing. These improvements make it easier to manage and share your notes, whether you're brainstorming ideas, jotting down a grocery list, or collaborating on a project. Smart folders automatically categorize your notes based on content, while the upgraded search functionality helps you find what you need in seconds. For anyone who relies on Notes to stay organized, this update is a game-changer.

10. Clean Up Feature: Perfect Your Photos

Say goodbye to photobombers and cluttered backgrounds with iOS 18.5's Clean Up Feature. This AI-powered tool lets you remove unwanted objects from your photos without altering the main subject. Whether you're editing a vacation snapshot or a professional headshot, Clean Up ensures your images look polished and focused. It's a simple yet powerful addition that makes photo editing accessible to everyone, right from the Photos app.

A New Era for iPhone Users

iOS 18.5 is more than just an update-it's a leap forward in how we interact with our iPhones. From Visual Intelligence's real-world insights to Image Playground's creative potential, these features showcase Apple's commitment to blending AI with user-centric design. The integration of ChatGPT, alongside productivity tools like call recording and Writing Tools, addresses long-standing user needs while pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can do. Meanwhile, features like cash transfers via SharePlay and the Clean Up tool for photos add convenience and flair to everyday tasks.

As Apple continues to innovate, iOS 18.5 sets the stage for even more advancements in the future. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a creative, or someone who just wants to get more done, this update has something for everyone. To explore these features and more, update your iPhone to iOS 18.5 today and experience the magic of AI in the palm of your hand. For the latest tech updates, follow creators like Nayeem Sheikh on X, and don't forget to check out resources like The Simplified AI newsletter to stay in the loop on all things AI.