Apple Resolves Masimo Patent Dispute with iOS 18.6.1 Workaround, Restoring Blood Oxygen Monitoring for iPhone and Apple Watch Users in the U.S.

Apple has officially unveiled its latest updates: iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1, now available for all eligible iPhone and Apple Watch devices. Unlike previous updates, today’s release carries significant implications for users, restoring the coveted Blood Oxygen Monitoring feature in the United States. This functionality was previously removed following a patent dispute between Apple and health technology company, Masimo.

Restoration of Blood Oxygen Monitoring with Apple’s iOS 18.6.1 Update

If you own a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch, you can easily download and install the latest software version via the Settings app. As this is a final build and not a beta release, no developer account is needed. Simply navigate to General > Software Update and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation on your iPhone.

For Apple Watch users, the process is similarly straightforward. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, select General > Software Update, and follow the provided instructions to update. It’s essential to ensure your Apple Watch is charged above 50 percent and plugged in during the update process. Additionally, make sure that your Apple Watch remains within range of your iPhone while the installation takes place.

To recapitulate the background, the Blood Oxygen Monitoring feature was disabled in the U. S.on Apple Watches back in 2024 due to an ongoing patent issue with Masimo. However, the return of this feature now has some modifications. While users will regain the ability to monitor their blood oxygen levels, the readings will not be displayed directly on the Apple Watch. Instead, the watch will collect the blood oxygen data and transmit it to the paired iPhone, where users can view their results within the Respiratory section of the Health app.

Beyond the restoration of Blood Oxygen Monitoring, Apple has not announced any additional enhancements or bug fixes in this update. Therefore, iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 primarily focus on reinstating this health feature. Stay tuned for more updates and information regarding any future enhancements related to health monitoring.

Source & Images