Apple has released iOS 18.6.1 and iPadOS 18.6.1 for all compatible iPhone and iPad models. The updates are available over the air and through IPSW firmware files for manual installation. The build number for both releases is 22G90.
This update focuses on restoring the Blood Oxygen feature for U.S. Apple Watch users in compliance with a legal settlement. When paired with watchOS 11.6.1, the feature is available on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models sold in the United States, with measurements calculated on the iPhone and viewed in the Health app.
iOS 18.6.1 and iPadOS 18.6.1 IPSW download links
You can download the official iOS 18.6.1 and iPadOS 18.6.1 IPSW firmware files for your specific device model from Apple’s servers. These files can be used for clean installations or for restoring devices using Finder on macOS or iTunes on Windows.
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
- iPad Mini (7th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (M4), iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
- iPad (A16)
- iPad (A16)
- iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
- iPad Air 11-inch (M2), iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
- 11-in. iPad Pro (4th generation), 12.9-in. iPad Pro (6th generation)
- iPad Air (5th Generation)
- 10.2-in. iPad (10th generation)
- 11-in. iPad Pro (3rd generation), 12.9-in. iPad Pro (5th generation)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
- 10.2-in. iPad (9th generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- 10.2-in. iPad (8th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation)
- 11-in. iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generations), 12.9-in. iPad Pro (3rd and 4th generations)
- 10.2-in. iPad (7th generation)
How to install iOS 18.6.1 and iPadOS 18.6.1
Over-the-air (OTA) installation
The easiest way to install the update is directly on your device.
- Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 50% battery.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install and follow the prompts.
IPSW installation
If you prefer to manually install the update:
- Download the correct IPSW file for your iPhone or iPad model.
- On macOS, open Finder. On Windows, open iTunes.
- Connect your device to your computer.
- Select your device from the sidebar.
- Hold the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows) and click Restore iPhone or Restore iPad.
- Select the downloaded IPSW file and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Always back up your device before using this method to avoid potential data loss.
iOS 18.6.1 and iPadOS 18.6.1 release notes
According to Apple, this update includes:
This update provides a new Blood Oxygen experience for users in the United States with Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Measurements are calculated on iPhone and viewed in the Health app.
This change applies only to Apple Watch models sold in the United States that had the Blood Oxygen feature removed earlier this year. With iOS 18.6.1, iPadOS 18.6.1, and watchOS 11.6.1, readings are once again available, but the processing is done on the paired iPhone instead of directly on the watch. Results appear in the Health app under the Respiratory section.
If your Apple Watch already included the original Blood Oxygen feature or was purchased outside of the United States, you will not notice any change.
