This week, Apple unacceptably surprised the iPhone audience with the release of iOS 18.6.1. People believed that iOS 18.6 would be the last update in the pattern before iOS 19 but this recent update contradicts that assumption although the update works on all the compatible iPhones, it is aimed at Apple Watch users. The update corrects an omission that has been one of the most significant concerns in the U.S.
Compatibility and Installing
The upgrade is available on iPhones launched since 2018, including the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Plus, and iPhone XR that is the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and the most recent iPhone 16. It also features the second and third generations of iPhone SE and the iPhone 16 to install go to settings, general, and then software update.
The file size is about 720MB, meaning it is a medium-sized update whose installation takes a relatively short time although it is focused on features related to Watch, Apple suggests that everyone who uses an iPhone should upgrade.
The Truth Blood Oxygen Monitoring is Back
The top change line is the one in which the Apple Watch replaces the iPhone. It had led to a protracted battle in court between Apple and medical technology firm, Masimo, which in turn compelled Apple to eliminate the blood oxygen feature in Apple Watches marketed in the U.S.
On the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 that capability was turned off and did not appear on the Series 10 in the U.S. This feature is presently restored in iOS 18.6.1, as well as OS 11.6.1. This is a technical workaround rather than having the “Apple Watch” analyze oxygen levels in the blood itself; the device transfers the data to the iPhone to which it is paired.
The information is then processed and the results are displayed in the respiratory section by the health app. It implies that millions of Apple Watch owners in the United States will gain access to a feature that was previously unavailable for many months. Matching models are Apple Watch Series 7, Series 8, Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
No Security Fixes but That Is Fine
Apple has clarified that iOS 18.6.1 does not consist of security patches. This may seem strange at first but it is logical. The earlier download iOS 18.6 which came out slightly less than a fortnight ago consisted of more than 20 security hot fixes. Apple appears confident that there are no significant security threats to address in this release and thus it focuses solely on functionality.
User first impressions
Initial user experiences have indicated that performance on iPhones may be snappier. It has also been noted that certain users have found it to be much easier to go between applications. Significantly, no new significant issues have been noted. One of the posts on Reddit complained of a blank screen problem on an iPad but this update does not apply to iPads so it doesn’t appear to be related.
In general iOS 18.6.1 has been released without any significant complaints; most users never have to deal with the upgrade they wait for and it quietly does its thing in the background; however, people with an Apple Watch in the U.S. can now access an excellent health measurement tool.
The Update Question
This is a must-have upgrade for Apple Watch users in the United States without this the blood oxygen feature cannot be regained. The update is not as essential to users outside the U.S. or users without an Apple Watch though no harm would ensue in installing the update; more minor updates have traditionally helped Apple to stabilize performance and some users are already reporting more minor improvements. When updating, the owners of Watches also must install watch OS 11.6.1 to receive the repair. The feature will not be usable without the two updates being done.
What does it imply for Apple?
This discharge demonstrates Apple’s ability to adjust quickly when faced with legal and technical setbacks by moving processing out of the Watch to the iPhone Apple has created a mechanism to meet U.S. restrictions while still allowing users to access the same health data. It is also a reminder that the iPhone and Apple Watch worlds now are more intertwined than ever.
iOS 18.6.1 does not concern any new splashy iPhone features. It concerns people with Apple Watch who are trying to get back something that should not have been absent in the first place. This is a game changer for those affected to some it is a safe secure update which even makes your iPhone a bit faster.
The next version of the iOS operating system iOS 19 is expected to arrive later this year meanwhile it’s worth noting that even minor iterations can hold significant meaning as seen with the new iOS 18.6.1.
Discover more from Being Shivam
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.