The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are set to introduce a new feature called “double tap,” which allows users to control the wearable by pinching their thumb and pointer finger. Although the full functionality of this feature is exclusive to the latest hardware, users with Apple Watch Series 3 and later can enable similar gesture controls through the Accessibility features called AssistiveTouch and quick actions.
Apple Watch Series 3 and later users can activate quick actions by following these steps:
1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Swipe down and choose Accessibility.
3. Swipe down and tap Quick Actions (under Motor).
4. Tap On at the top to turn it on.
Now, when available, you’ll be prompted to double pinch to perform a quick action. If you miss the prompt, look for buttons with a blue outline, as these can be selected using a double pinch/tap.
Quick actions offer a taste of the double tap experience, but they don’t include all the capabilities of the official double tap feature on the Series 9 and Ultra 2. The latter offers the ability to move from your watch face to the new widget UI, scroll through widgets, and more with the double tap gesture.
However, many features are similar between quick actions and the new double tap, such as answering and ending calls, controlling workouts, and taking pictures with the camera control app.
For a more comprehensive gesture control experience, users can also enable AssistiveTouch, which is designed for those with upper limb differences but can be used by anyone. AssistiveTouch includes four gestures (pinch, double pinch, clench, and double clench) and an action menu that allows users to control almost any aspect of the wearable.
To enable AssistiveTouch:
1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Swipe down and choose Accessibility.
3. Swipe down and tap AssistiveTouch (under Motor).
4. Tap the toggle at the top to turn it on.
5. Now tap Hand Gestures, and toggle those on at the top.
6. Customize what pinch, double pinch, clench, and double clench do.
With AssistiveTouch, the default gesture for activation and the action menu is a double clench, which can be changed at the bottom of the Hand Gestures menu.
Gesture control on the Apple Watch has been well-received, with many users finding quick actions and AssistiveTouch useful. If you’re considering upgrading to get the official double tap feature, share your thoughts in the comments! For more tutorials, visit 9to5Mac.
