Unlock New Interactions with Double Tap Gesture on Apple Watch: Here’s How To Use it

Highlights

Introduces pinch interaction for Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.
Accessible to Series 3 and newer models through Accessibility features.
Quick Actions and AssistiveTouch allow gesture controls on older models.
Navigate and control with pinches and clenches for enhanced watchOS interaction.

Apple has introduced a new “double tap” feature in its latest Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, enabling users to interact with the device by pinching together their thumb and index finger.

This advanced feature, while optimized for the new hardware, is accessible in a limited form to owners of Apple Watch Series 3 onwards.

The “double tap” functionality relies on the upgraded Neural Engine in the S9 SiP, which processes data from the device’s accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart rate sensor more efficiently.

For those with older models, Apple offers an alternative through its Accessibility settings with AssistiveTouch and quick actions.

These settings allow for gesture control such as pinching and clenching to command the watch.

How to Activate Double Tap Gestures

Quick Actions Method:
Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
Navigate to Accessibility.
Select Quick Actions under Motor.
Enable it by tapping On.

Use double pinch gestures for quick actions when prompted or for buttons outlined in blue.

Quick actions offer a taste of “double tap,” enabling functions like answering calls or controlling the camera.

However, it doesn’t fully mimic the new feature found in Series 9 and Ultra 2, which includes navigating to the widget UI and scrolling through widgets.

AssistiveTouch Method

Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
Go to Accessibility.
Select AssistiveTouch under Motor and turn it on.
Enable Hand Gestures.
Customize gestures such as pinch, double pinch, clench, and double clench according to your preference.

AssistiveTouch provides a comprehensive gesture control experience, allowing nearly full control over the watchOS through various gestures and an actionable menu, making it suitable for those with upper limb differences and anyone who wishes to explore advanced gesture-based navigation.

FAQs

Q: What is the Double Tap Gesture on Apple Watch?

A: The Double Tap Gesture allows users to interact with their Apple Watch by pinching their thumb and index finger, offering a new way to navigate and control the device.

Q: Can I use Double Tap Gesture on my older Apple Watch?

A: Yes, Apple Watch Series 3 and newer models can use similar gestures through Accessibility features like Quick Actions and AssistiveTouch.

Q: How do I activate Double Tap Gesture on my Apple Watch?

A: Activate it by going into the Watch app on your iPhone, selecting Accessibility, then either Quick Actions or AssistiveTouch, and turning the feature on.

Q: What can I do with Double Tap Gesture on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2?

A: You can navigate to the widget UI, scroll through widgets, answer/end calls, control workouts, and much more using the Double Tap Gesture.

Q: Is Double Tap Gesture the same as AssistiveTouch and Quick Actions?

A: Double Tap Gesture is optimized for Series 9 and Ultra 2, offering more features. AssistiveTouch and Quick Actions provide similar, though not identical, functionality for older models.

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