Picture: Cult of Mac
Apple launched new system software program for iPhone and Apple Watch on Thursday to return blood oxygen sensing to all Apple Watch customers, eradicating a limitation that irritated many in the USA. People lacking the function can set up iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 now.
These will not be accompanied by recent updates to iPadOS, macOS, and so forth.
iOS 18.6.1, watchOS 11.6.1 are a boon to US Apple Watch wearers
Since 2024, Apple has been barred from promoting U.S. prospects new Apple Watch items with the Blood Oxygen utility. As a substitute, it’s needed to promote items with the app eliminated. Early on Thursday, Apple introduced a workaround, and promised software program updates for Apple Watch and iPhone to offer it. These are actually out there.
The discharge be aware for iOS 18.6.1 reads, “This replace supplies a brand new Blood Oxygen expertise for customers in the USA with Apple Watch Collection 9 and Collection 10, and Apple Watch Extremely 2. Measurements are calculated on iPhone and considered within the Well being app.”
The workaround doesn’t carry the Blood Oxygen utility again to Apple Watch. As a substitute, it permits the iPhone to show the identical information. That’s why iOS and watchOS updates are wanted.
The brand new variations, that are able to be put in now, exchange iOS 18.6 and watchOS 11.6 that launched July 29. They don’t appear to incorporate any new options apart from the blood oxygen repair. That’s why it’s not shock there aren’t any equal updates for Mac, iPad or different Apple computer systems.
The way to patch your iPhone and Apple Watch
iPhone customers can set up the brand new iOS model straight by opening the Settings app and going to Normal > Software program Replace. Alternatively, replace units by connecting them to a Mac (or to a PC working iTunes).
The watchOS replace will be put in straight onto an Apple Watch, so long as the wearable is related to Wi-Fi. From the Settings app, navigate to Normal > Software program Replace. Or set up it from an iPhone by opening the Apple Watch app and going to My Watch > Normal > Software program Replace.