Apple iOS 18.6.1 Update Brings Back a Popular Redesigned Feature

                                            Apple iOS 18.6.1 Update: Redesigned Blood Oxygen Feature

Apple officially rolled out iOS 18.6.1 on August 14, 2025, reintroducing the redesigned blood oxygen experience for certain iPhone and Apple Watch users. The update comes months after the feature was disabled due to a patent dispute—and it’s now making a careful return, thanks to a recent U.S. Customs ruling.

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What’s New in iOS 18.6.1?

The update doesn’t bring a long list of features, but the highlight is clear:

1. Redesigned Blood Oxygen App: Available for Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 users in the U.S.

2. How it works now: Instead of the watch processing the data, measurements are calculated on the paired iPhone and displayed in the Health app’s Respiratory section.

3. Compatibility: The update won’t affect older Apple Watches with the original blood oxygen feature or any devices purchased outside the U.S.

Apple explained:

“Following this update, sensor data from the Blood Oxygen app on Apple Watch will be measured and calculated on the paired iPhone.”

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Why Was Blood Oxygen Removed in the First Place?

Apple disabled the feature in January 2024 after a patent dispute with health tech company Masimo, which led to an import ban on certain Apple Watch models.

With iOS 18.6.1, Apple has redesigned the experience to meet legal requirements while still offering health insights to users.

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How to Download iOS 18.6.1

Updating your iPhone is simple:

1. Open Settings

2. Tap General

3. Select Software Update

4. Tap Update Now and follow the on-screen prompts

If you own a supported Apple Watch, you can also install watchOS 11.6.1 to enable the new blood oxygen feature.

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Release Notes for iOS 18.6.1

1. Provides a new blood oxygen experience for U.S. users with Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2.

2. Measurements are processed on iPhone and are viewable in the Health app.

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Looking Ahead

While iOS 18.6.1 is a small but important update, Apple fans can expect much bigger features later this year with iOS 26, currently in beta testing. The upcoming version promises call screening, enhanced privacy tools, and new iPhone features.