If you thought we had seen the last of iOS 18 with the recent release of iOS 18.6, you would not have been alone. But Apple has published a new update that specifically brings back a missing functionality to millions of Apple watches.
Apple iOS 18
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This message has the first reflections on the new version and I will update this message during the coming week and will do a final assessment on Friday, August 8.
Who is it and how to get it?
Apple iOS 18.6.1 is compatible with all iPhones of 2018. These are iPhone XS, iPhone XS Plus and iPhone XR models and each phone since. This means that the iPhone 11 series, the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 and so on to the iPhone 16 series, as well as the second and third generation iPhone SE models as well as the iPhone 16th. If you have one of these phones, except the first three, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Plus and iPhone XR, they will work with iOS 26.
To update, search for the iPhone settings, click General, then Update of the software. Then choose Download and install, and the software will download from there. This is an average download, around 720 MB, but it should be reasonably quick to install.
What it is
This update, however, is recommended for all users, is specifically to introduce an advantage for millions of Apple Watch users. A patent dispute between Apple and the Masimo medical equipment company led to the blood oxygen monitoring function on the US-Sold 9 Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra 2 series to be handicapped. He never appeared on Apple Watch Series 10 models sold in the United States.
The software update means all the Apple watches compatible sold anywhere to put the functionality back, once this update and an update Watchos 11.6.1 are installed.
It is essentially a bypass solution: you always activate the Blood Oxygen application on your Apple Watch, but it now transmits data on the iPhone where it is calculated and analyzed, with the result found in the health application in the respiratory section.
Apple compatible watches include series 7, series 8, series 9, Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2.. You can find out more about the return of the oxygen blood functionality here.
Apple iOS security 18.6.1
No, there are no security features in this update, says Apple. Be careful, there were more than 20 in the last one, and it was barely more than two weeks ago, so it may not be a surprise.
Initial reactions
Some users have reported more snap -on performance on their iPhones, although no one said they have introduced new problems, I think. A Redditor said that their iPad now had a virgin screen, but that to be clear, there was no iPad update.
Apple iOS 18.6.1 Initial verdict: update
If you are in the United States and you have an Apple Watch or if you get one in the future, it is obvious. For the rest of us, go ahead, there is no harm here and maybe you will find an iPhone plus snapp. If you have an Apple Watch, don’t forget to install Watchos 11.6.1 also.
Final verdict next week.
