Apple updates iOS and watchOS today

Apple confirms new minor updates for iOS and watchOS, re enabling Blood Oxygen on US watches.

Apple releases iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 today

Apple says it will release iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 later today, according to a Newsroom press release. The update re enables the Blood Oxygen feature on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models sold in the United States. Apple did not disclose broader bug fixes or security patches for this minor update.

The company notes the release is likely small in scope as it continues its yearly cadence ahead of the upcoming iOS 26, which is in beta testing for a September release.

This update pattern shows Apple managing core health features with measured timing. Re enabling Blood Oxygen on US watches hints at regional testing or policy considerations, not a full scale feature rollout.

The timing before iOS 26 suggests the company stays steady with its schedule, prioritizing reliability over flashy changes. For users, the update is about continuity and stability as Apple prepares a larger leap later in the year.

Highlights

The path to the next major release will reveal how much changes lie ahead.