Apple Watch Series 9: Double Tap Gesture Now Available in Public Beta
In September, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 9 at its annual event, introducing a new gesture that has generated significant interest among users. The double tap gesture is designed to give users an additional way to interact with their watch, and it’s now available for early adopters through the public beta of watchOS 10.1.
What is the Double Tap Gesture?
The double tap gesture allows Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 owners to control their device without touching the display. To use this feature, users need to tap their index finger and thumb together twice quickly on the hand wearing the watch. Some testers have reported that other fingers may also work in certain situations.
When Will it Be Available?
The public beta of watchOS 10.1 is now available for early adopters, just a day after the second developer seed release. This means that users can start experiencing the double tap gesture on their Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 devices.
How Does it Work?
The double tap gesture relies on the faster Neural Engine on the new devices to detect wrist movements and changes in blood flow as you perform the motion of the double tap. This is achieved through a combination of data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart sensor with a new machine learning algorithm.
What Can You Do with Double Tap?
With the double tap gesture, users can engage with their watch to perform various common tasks, such as:
- Answering or ending phone calls
- Starting or stopping timers
- Snoozing alarms
- Viewing messages from notifications
- Playing and pausing music and podcasts
- Stopping and starting automatic workout reminders
More Nuanced Interactions
The double tap gesture also allows for more nuanced interactions, such as:
- Opening up a Smart Stack from any watch face and scrolling through the widgets in the stack
- Performing primary actions from notifications, including those from third-party apps
- Replying to messages or snoozing reminders, among other options
Why is Double Tap Important?
The double tap gesture provides users with an alternative way to interact with their Apple Watch without touching the display. This can be particularly useful in situations where one hand is busy, such as when holding bags or messy food.
Background on Accessibility
Apple had previously offered a similar option for users with disabilities through the Accessibility settings. However, the company has now refined this feature and made it available to all users as part of watchOS 10.1.
What’s Next?
With the public beta of watchOS 10.1 available today, early adopters can start experiencing the double tap gesture on their Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 devices. As this feature becomes more widely available, we can expect to see even more innovative uses for it.
Apple’s Commitment to Innovation
Apple’s commitment to innovation is evident in its continued push for new features that enhance user experience. The double tap gesture is just one example of how the company is using machine learning and sensor data to create a more intuitive and interactive Apple Watch experience.
Early Adopters and Feedback
We’re eager to hear from early adopters about their experiences with the double tap gesture. What do you think about this new feature? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
