Ongoing Mail App Crashes Plague iPhone Users Following iOS 18.5 Update

iPhone users are experiencing persistent crashes and blank screens in the Mail app following the recent update to iOS 18.5, sparking widespread frustration and concern. Released in May 2025, the iOS 18.5 update has been marred by reports from users across various platforms, including Apple Communities and Reddit, who describe their Mail app becoming unresponsive and crashing upon launch.

The issue appears to have gained traction in the weeks following the update, with numerous users detailing their struggles. "My mail app no longer works after the iOS 18.5 update," one user posted on an Apple Community forum. "I uninstalled and reinstalled, and it attempts to open (blank white screen) and crashes every time. Was this intentional? Does Apple know that I use my phone for business and this is crippling?"

Despite their efforts to troubleshoot the problem, which have included restarting devices, force closing the app, disabling auto-correction, and even completely reinstalling the app, users report that these measures provide only temporary relief. A key complaint highlights that the app fails to refresh the inbox and does not open new emails upon notification, forcing users to restart their devices regularly.

"Response time is laggy, the app is freezing and unresponsive, and emails will not open," another user lamented on Reddit. "Restarting the device does fix it, but only temporarily—and that’s being generous."

As of now, Apple has not publicly acknowledged the issue or provided a timeline for a fix. The lack of communication from the tech giant has exacerbated user frustrations, leading many to voice their concerns on social media and technology forums. The impact of this malfunction is particularly significant for users who rely on the Mail app for professional communications, as it directly affects their productivity.

Experts in technology and consumer electronics have shared their insights regarding the situation. Dr. Emily Chen, a technology analyst at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), stated, "Software updates are critical for device security and functionality, but they must undergo rigorous testing to prevent widespread issues like this. The reliance on user feedback post-update suggests a gap in Apple's quality assurance processes."

Apple's historical approach to software updates has often emphasized new features over stability, raising questions about their testing protocols. Previous updates have similarly caused problems for users; for instance, the iOS 14 update in 2020 led to widespread complaints about battery drainage and app performance issues, a situation that Apple eventually addressed through subsequent updates.

Consumer advocacy groups have also weighed in. According to Mike Reynolds, a spokesperson for Consumer Reports, "When such widespread issues arise, it's the responsibility of the company to promptly inform users of potential fixes or workarounds. Transparency is crucial in maintaining consumer trust."

As users continue to seek solutions, some have turned to social media platforms to share their experiences and temporary fixes, creating a community-driven approach to troubleshooting. However, the absence of a permanent resolution from Apple remains a significant concern.

Looking forward, it is anticipated that Apple may release a patch or minor update in the coming weeks to address these issues, although no official announcement has been made. In the interim, users are encouraged to follow ongoing discussions in user forums for the latest tips and advice on managing the Mail app's performance problems.

In conclusion, the Mail app crashing issue following the iOS 18.5 update serves as a reminder of the challenges associated with software updates in the technology sector. As users await a response from Apple, the situation underscores the importance of rigorous testing and effective communication between tech companies and their consumer base.