iOS 18.6.1 Features, Changes & What’s New

Apple has dropped a surprise update — iOS 18.6.1 — for iPhones. While it’s a “dot-release,” this version brings a crucial health upgrade, bug fixes, and signals how Apple pivots for future versions. Here’s everything you need to know, from features to device support, bug fixes, security, update process, and what’s coming next.

iOS 18.6.1 Release Date, Build & Supported Devices

• Release Date: August 14, 2025
• Build: 22G90
• Supported Devices: All iPhones from XS/XR and newer, including iPhone SE 2/3, iPhone 15/16 series.

What’s New in iOS 18.6.1?

1. Blood Oxygen Feature Returns — Redesigned for Apple Watch Owners

• Background: Apple had to remove Blood Oxygen (SpO2) monitoring from Apple Watch due to a legal dispute. With iOS 18.6.1, the feature is back on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 for U.S. users.

• How it works now:
  • Launch the Blood Oxygen app on Apple Watch.
  • The watch sensors collect data, which is sent to your iPhone.
  • The iPhone processes the results. You see them ONLY inside the iPhone Health app, not on the Watch display.
  • Results appear in the Respiratory section of the Health app.
  • Only works on U.S. Watch models updated to WatchOS 11.6.1.
• Who is affected: Only U.S. users who bought new watches since the legal block. Previous watches and international units remain unaffected.
  Apple’s approach sidesteps prior patent disputes — measurements now computed on iPhone side for legal compliance.

2. Bug Fixes & Security Updates

• Apple never details minor bug fixes, but minor updates like 18.6.1 always contain security patches and reliability tweaks.
• Recent iOS 18 branch (18.6) focused on Photos movie sharing, UI glitches, security improvements, and iPhone battery optimization.
• iOS 18.6.1 continues this, so expect improved stability with Health and Apple Watch integrations.

3. Performance & Battery

• User reports suggest the update is lightweight (500–720MB on average), installs in 10 minutes, and does not harm performance or battery life.
• Battery management slightly refined for Watch and Health features.

How To Update to iOS 18.6.1

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Tap Download and Install.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi and keep your device charged.
4. For Apple Watch integration: After update, open ECG/Blood Oxygen app, or Health on iPhone; Watch may need up to 24 hours for OTA asset to download before SpO2 is fully active.

FAQs About iOS 18.6.1

Q: Who should update to iOS 18.6.1?
A: All iPhone users! Especially Apple Watch owners in the U.S. wanting Blood Oxygen monitoring.

Q: Any new features apart from Blood Oxygen?
A: For most regions and devices, main change is SpO2 monitoring reimplementation. Some minor bug fixes and security patches included.

Q: Is my data still safe and private?
A: Yes. Apple processes Blood Oxygen measurements locally on iPhone, reinforcing privacy.

Q: Is my device compatible?
A: All iPhones XS/XR and newer, including latest SE/Pro models.

Q: What’s next after iOS 18.6.1?
A: Apple is deep into beta for iOS 26, expected to launch with new AI features next month.

Quick Features Overview

Update today, and get ready for what’s next!