Starting with watchOS 10.1, anyone with an Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 can take advantage of the new Double Tap feature.
We’re taking a closer look at the feature and how you can integrate the gesture into your daily Apple Watch use.
What Is Double Tap?
One of thenew features of the Apple Watch Series 9and Apple Watch Ultra 2, Double Tap is a gesture that allows you to control an Apple Watch without needing to touch the screen.
You will first need to make sure to raise your wrist to wake the Apple Watch. Then all you need to do is tap your index finger and thumb of the watch hand twice in quick succession. When complete, you’ll see the Double Tap icon on top of the screen.
Apple has previously offered some hands-free control of the device with accessibility gestures, but they often had issues working correctly.
A faster Neural Engine in both Apple Watch models helps enable the gesture. It processes the data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart rate sensor with a new machine learning algorithm. That algorithm detects the wrist movements and changes in blood flow when you perform the gesture.
What Can You Do With Double Tap on an Apple Watch
The Double Tap gesture allows you to choose the primary button with the app you are currently in. That unlocks a wide variety of uses. For example, when an alarm goes off, just Double Tap snooze it. You can also do things like answer and end a call on the Apple Watch with the gesture.
If you are on a watch face, a Double Tap will bring up theSmart Stack that gives you quick access to important information. By default, Double Tap to shuffle through all of your widgets.
How to Customize Double Tap
Double Tap is turned on by default. If you ever want to disable it, head toSettings > Gestureson your Apple Watch. SelectDouble Tapand toggle it off.
In the same menu, you can also further customize how the gesture works. In thePlaybacksection you can choose whether a Double Tap will play/pause media or skip to the next track.
Below that, you can choose the Smart Stack action. You can either selectAdvanceto move through the stack orSelectto open the app of the specific widget on the top of the Smart Stack.
Double Tap Brings a New Way to Use Your Apple Watch
Whether your hands are full or you just want another way to interact with an Apple Watch, Double Tap is a great way to use the wearable device without needing to touch the screen.
