### Apple Unveils Revamped Blood Oxygen Feature with iOS 18.6.1
Apple has officially launched iOS 18.6.1 for iPhone users, along with watchOS 11.6.1, representing a notable update for Apple Watch customers in the United States. This release reinstates a redesigned Blood Oxygen feature for the Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9, and Ultra 2, following a prolonged hiatus due to a patent conflict with health tech firm Masimo.
#### What’s Different in iOS 18.6.1?
The centerpiece of this update is the altered Blood Oxygen feature, which had been inaccessible for U.S. consumers for more than 18 months. Apple initially halted the availability of the feature when it commenced selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the U.S. market. The updated Blood Oxygen functionality is tailored for users lacking access to the previous version.
To access the reimagined Blood Oxygen feature, users can initiate a session via the Blood Oxygen app on their Apple Watch. The watch’s sensors will gather the required data, which is subsequently analyzed by the connected iPhone to assess blood oxygen levels. The outcomes are saved in the Respiratory section of the Health app on the iPhone, but users will not be able to see the outcomes directly on their Apple Watch.
Apple’s release notes for iOS 18.6.1 highlight that this update introduces a fresh Blood Oxygen experience for qualifying Apple Watch models. Crucially, the update does not impact Apple Watch devices that already featured the initial Blood Oxygen functionality or those acquired outside of the U.S.
#### How to Upgrade
Updating to iOS 18.6.1 is simple. Users can go to the Settings app on their iPhone, select General, and then tap Software Update. There are no further modifications in this update aside from the Blood Oxygen feature.
#### Summary
The return of the Blood Oxygen feature in iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 is an appreciated advancement for Apple Watch owners in the U.S., improving the health monitoring features of the device. As Apple continues to push boundaries in health technology, this update signifies the company’s dedication to equipping users with comprehensive health tracking resources.
