Apple Watch users can now enjoy an enhanced and efficient way to interact with their devices, thanks to the introduction of the double tap gesture with watchOS 10.1. This new feature is available for Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, providing a quick and convenient method for users to control their devices with just one hand and without touching the display.
The double tap gesture adds a new layer of functionality to Apple Watch, complementing existing gestures like tap, swipe, raise to wake, and cover to mute. Users can now tap the index finger and thumb of their watch hand together twice to perform various common actions swiftly. This feature proves particularly useful in situations where the user’s other hand is occupied, such as when walking the dog, cooking, or holding a cup of coffee.
Key Actions Enabled by Double Tap:
- Opening the Smart Stack from any watch face and scrolling through widgets in the stack.
- Answering and ending phone calls.
- Viewing messages from notifications, replying using dictation, and sending messages.
- Pausing, resuming, and ending a timer.
- Stopping and resuming a stopwatch.
- Snoozing an alarm.
- Playing and pausing music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
- Switching to the new Elevation view in the Compass app.
- Taking an iPhone photo with the Camera Remote in the Camera app.
- Starting or stopping automatic Workout reminders.
- Performing the primary action from notifications, such as replying to messages and snoozing reminders.
The double tap gesture is powered by the S9 SiP, making it 25 percent more power-efficient than the previous generation. The new 4-core Neural Engine enhances machine learning tasks, enabling the device to detect the unique signature of wrist movements and blood flow changes during a double tap.
The feature works seamlessly when the display is awake, with minimal impact on the device’s battery life. Apple Watch Series 9 offers an 18-hour battery life, while Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts a 36-hour battery life.
Customization Options: The double tap gesture is designed to automatically select the primary action for most apps and notifications. However, users can customize two instances: advancing through widgets in the Smart Stack or selecting the first available widget, and playing or pausing media during an active session or skipping to the next track.
Availability:
- watchOS 10.1 is available for Apple Watch Series 4 and later, requiring iPhone XS or later running iOS 17.
- The double tap gesture is enabled by default on Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 running watchOS 10.1, with an option to disable it in settings.
- The feature is not supported in specific apps and experiences, including ECG, Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, Sleep Focus, Walkie-Talkie, Maps (during navigation), Mindfulness (during an active session), SOS features (Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, Crash Detection), and Workout (during an active session).
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