Why watchOS 27 removes the useful multitasking feature on Apple Watch
watchOS 27 removes a useful multitasking shortcut from Apple Watch. While we don’t know if it will make a return, we at least now know why the gesture was removed. more…
Apple has removed a useful multitasking feature from watchOS 27 on Apple Watch models such as Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3. This feature allowed users to double-click the Digital Crown to quickly switch between the current app and the previously used app, as well as between the watch face and the last viewed app. The gesture provided a seamless way to navigate through apps without tapping the display, relying on muscle memory for quick context switching.
However, watchOS 27 has seemingly discontinued this gesture, with Apple reportedly citing Live Rewind as the reason behind its removal. Live Rewind is a forthcoming feature that provides a 15-second transcript of spoken audio. This feature, part of the Audio Intelligence set, will be introduced on the newly released Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models later this year.
The removal of the gesture is puzzling for several reasons. Firstly, it applies to all Apple Watch models except those equipped with Live Rewind, rendering the gesture redundant for those devices. Additionally, not all users may have a vested interest in using Live Rewind, as it is not a necessity for everyone. Even if users choose not to use Live Rewind, the gesture should still be available, as it offers a convenient way to navigate through apps.
Apple has not officially provided a satisfactory explanation for the gesture's removal, but the company has hinted at the possibility of a settings option to restore the feature in future updates, such as watchOS 27.1 or 27.2. In the meantime, users are left to rely on the dynamic app grid, which displays five suggested apps when the gesture is activated.
While Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are now available for pre-order at $399 and $799, respectively, both models are set to launch on September 18. As Apple continues to innovate with new features, it remains to be seen if the multitasking gesture will be reinstated or if a settings option will be introduced to restore this valuable functionality.
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