This video discusses the release of iOS 18.6.1, accompanied by Watch OS 11.6.1, a minor but significant update primarily focused on reintroducing the blood oxygen monitoring feature for compatible Apple Watch users in the US. Following a patent dispute and import ban, Apple has implemented a workaround where blood oxygen measurements are now calculated on the paired iPhone and then viewed within the Health app, rather than directly on the watch. The update is small in size, brings no other new forward-facing features or security patches, and maintains the excellent performance and battery life established by iOS 18.6. The presenter recommends updating for Apple Watch Series 9, 10, or Ultra 2 users to regain this health functionality, while deeming it optional for users without these specific watches due to the lack of other changes.
iOS 18.6.1 Update: Blood Oxygen Monitoring Returns to Apple Watch
0:00 Introduction of iOS 18.6.1: Apple releases iOS 18.6.1 and Watch OS 11.6.1 to the general public, a few weeks after the previous update.
0:25 Update Size and Build Number: The update is relatively small (under 500MB on an iPhone 15 Pro Max) with a build number of 22G90 and modem firmware 2.70.02.
1:02 Revamped Blood Oxygen Experience: The primary change is a new blood oxygen experience for US users with Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2. This feature was previously disabled due to a patent infringement lawsuit by Maximo.
1:47 Workaround for Patent Ban: Apple's workaround for the ban involves the Apple Watch collecting blood oxygen data, but the measurements and calculations are now performed on the paired iPhone and then viewed in the Health app.
2:07 Using the New Blood Oxygen Feature: On the Apple Watch, the blood oxygen app will prompt users to open the Health app on their iPhone for results and provides tips for accurate readings (watch placement, snug band, no movement).
2:53 Enabling Background Recordings: Users should ensure blood oxygen monitoring is enabled in the Apple Watch app on the iPhone, with options for background recordings during sleep focus and theater mode.
3:11 Viewing Results in Health App: Results are found under Browse > Respiratory > Blood Oxygen in the Health app, showing the latest readings, daily averages, and other contextual information.
3:40 International and Older Watch Users: This workaround is not needed for Apple Watch models purchased internationally or older models that were not affected by the original ban.
3:57 Importance of Blood Oxygen Monitoring: Blood oxygen levels indicate how efficiently lungs deliver oxygen to blood and how the body circulates it, with consistently low levels potentially signaling health issues.
4:47 No Other Major Changes or Security Patches: iOS 18.6.1 is a minor "double point" update, meaning no other major visual changes, bug fixes (beyond the mentioned blood oxygen feature), or security patches are included.
5:21 Performance and Battery Life: Performance and battery life are expected to remain excellent, mirroring the stability and efficiency of the previous iOS 18.6 update.
Recommended for: Apple Watch Series 9, 10, or Ultra 2 users (in the US) to regain blood oxygen monitoring functionality.
Optional for: Users without these specific Apple Watch models, as there are no other new features or security patches, and performance is already solid on iOS 18.6.
7:39 What to Expect Next: An iOS 18.7 update is likely in September but will be quickly overshadowed by the anticipated release of iOS 26 around September 15th.