Master how to use the double-tap gesture on the new Apple Watch

When watchOS 10.1 is released later in September, Apple Watch Series 2 and Apple Watch Ultra models will get a new double-tap gesture. Here's everything Double Tap can do, and how to get it running on your watch before the software update is released.

Double-tap is a new gesture-based feature on the latest Apple Watch models that lets you control watch functions by bringing your thumb and index finger together twice. The feature is designed to make it easier to navigate your Apple Watch when you only have one hand free, such as when you're walking your dog, carrying groceries, or holding a cup of coffee.

The new double-tap gesture is exclusive to Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, and will be enabled in watchOS 1.10, released in October. watchOS 1.17 is currently available as a developer beta. If you want to install the beta on your watch, you'll need to pair it with an iPhone running the iOS 1. beta, which you can download for free.

What double-click can do

The function of double-click is very simple. You raise the watch to wake it up, then double-tap your thumb and index finger to control what happens on the watch screen.

By default, double-clicking selects the home button in any app you're in. For example, if you receive a call, you can double-tap to answer it and use it to hang up when you're done. Likewise, if you're watching/listening to media, you can pause and resume (or skip).

Some other use cases: If you set a timer, a double click will pause it. Performing the gesture again will resume the countdown, and when the timer sounds, a double tap will stop the countdown. Likewise, you can use it to perform other everyday actions, such as snooze alarms, trigger the Camera Remote app's shutter button, and dismiss notifications.

Double-tap activation is indicated by a blue icon at the top of the screen

As you might expect, the gesture is also set up to assume your other hand is fully focused. For example, if you receive a text message, double-clicking will allow you to reply to the voicemail, while double-clicking will send the message.

Additionally, a double-tap can be used to invoke Smart Stacks from the watch face and browse your widgets, allowing you to browse your most viewed information with one hand.

How to set up double-click

Double-click is disabled by default, so you need to manually enable it for it to work properly. This can be done from your wrist or through the Watch app on your iPhone, with both menus containing options for customizing media playback and Smart Stack functionality.

Please note that to enable Double Tap, the setup involves granting watchOS permission to disable certain accessibility options, including Assistive Touch, Zoom using gestures, VoiceOver using gestures, and Quick Actions.

On Apple Watch:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap gesture.
3. Click Double Click , and then on the next screen turn on Double Click the switch next to .
4. If prompted, tap "Turn off accessibility features" at the bottom of the screen reminder.
5. Select for "Play" (play/pause or skip) and "Smart Stack" (forward or select) Preferred settings.

On an Apple phone:

1. Open the "Watch" app.
2. After selecting the "My Watch" tab, tap Gestures.
3. Click Double Click , and then on the next screen turn on Double Click the switch next to .
4. If prompted, tap Turn off accessibility features in the on-screen reminder.
5. Select for "Play" (play/pause or skip) and "Smart Stack" (forward or select) Preferred settings.

Apple says double-click is enabled by the S9 chip's faster Neural Engine, which is why the feature is only available on the Series 9 and Ultra 2. Apple said it developed an algorithm that can detect "unique signatures" of tiny wrist movements and changes in blood flow when the index finger and thumb tap together.

If you have an earlier Apple Watch model that doesn't support Double Tap, you can always try a similar but more limited accessibility feature called AssistiveTouch, which is available on Apple Watch Series 4 and later.

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