Apple Releases iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 With Redesigned Blood Oxygen Feature [Download]

Apple has officially released iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 for the iPhone and Apple Watch. The software updates re-enable the Blood Oxygen feature for certain Apple Watch models sold in the United States, following a U.S. Customs ruling that approved the redesigned functionality.

The feature is now available for U.S. users with an Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, or Apple Watch Ultra 2 that did not previously have Blood Oxygen capabilities. After updating a paired iPhone to iOS 18.6.1 and the Apple Watch to watchOS 11.6.1, sensor data from the Blood Oxygen app will be measured on the watch but calculated on the iPhone, with results appearing in the Respiratory section of the Health app.

The change comes after Apple was forced to disable the feature on new devices in the U.S. to comply with an International Trade Commission import ban. The ITC had found that Apple's pulse oximetry technology infringed on patents held by Masimo Corp. Apple had previously signaled it was developing a software workaround to navigate the ban.


Apple confirmed the update has no impact on Apple Watch units previously purchased that already included the original Blood Oxygen feature, nor does it affect any models sold outside of the United States.

You can find download links for the new firmware here:
● Where to Download iPhone Firmware Files From

Alternatively, you can use the iClarified IPSW Download wizard.

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