Apple released iOS 18.6.1 and Watchos 11.6.1; Activating blood oxygen functionality in several Apple Watch models in the United States

Apple today released iOS 18.6.1 and Watchos 11.6.1, bringing support for blood oxygen features that are redesigned to several Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models in the US in the US

According to Apple’s press release, the designed blood oxygen feature will be available on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 model that does not have genuine blood oxygen features. The sensor data from the blood oxygen application on Apple Watch will be measured and calculated on the user’s iPhone and available in the Respiratory Section of Health Applications:

Users with these models in the US who currently do not have blood oxygen features will have access to the designed blood oxygen feature by updating their iPhone in pairs to iOS 18.6.1 and Apple Watch they to Watchos 11.6.1. After this update, the sensor data from the application of blood oxygen in Apple Watch will be measured and calculated on a paired iPhone, and the results can be seen in the respiratory applications. This update is activated by the new US Customs Decision.

According to Apple, there will be no change in the function of blood oxygen in the Apple Watch model which includes the original blood oxygen feature or the Apple Watch model purchased outside the US

Because iOS 18.6.1 and Watchos 11.6.1 are not distributed to external examiners before the release, we do not have information about whether there is a special change for voice, braille, or low features in this release. However, with the next large software release for all Apple platforms right in the corner, our hope is that this release will not contain any specific changes for vision accessibility features. If you see changes in voice, braille, or low vision in this release, tell us by posting comments.

How to update

iOS 18.6.1 is available through over-the-water updates (General Settings> Software updates), through finders on Mac with MacOS Catalina or more recently, or through iTunes on a PC or Mac with MacOS Mojave or earlier.

Before updating, we strongly recommend making complete and complete backup of your device (either locally or in iCloud, depending on personal preferences). This will ensure that, in the case that is impossible that there is something wrong during the update process, you will have an current backup if there is a recovery of the device it is necessary. Also, if you use an OTA update, we suggest putting your device into resources during the duration of the download/installation process, so that it can prevent your battery events that cannot die during the update.

Watchos 11.6.1 Available through Over-The-Water Update (General Settings> Software Update) or by going to the Watch application on your iPhone and navigating to the public> software updates. To install an update, your watch must be connected to the charger and has at least 50% battery power.