During Apple’s Wonderlust event, the company unveiled several new devices, including the iPhone 15 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 9, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. One notable feature introduced at the event was Double Tap, a new systemwide gesture for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, this gesture is not as new as it may seem, as it has actually been available since the Apple Watch Series 4 under the name AssistiveTouch.
Double Tap allows users to control their Apple Watch by simply tapping their index finger and thumb together twice. This gesture acts as the primary button in the active app, enabling users to perform various actions using just their watch hand. This feature is especially useful when the other hand is occupied with tasks like holding objects or engaging in physical activities.
During the event, Apple demonstrated the capabilities of Double Tap, such as snoozing an alarm, taking photos with the iPhone camera, playing and pausing music, answering and ending phone calls, and more. Double Tap can also be used to launch Smart Stack widgets in watchOS 10 and scroll through the stack. The gesture is reminiscent of the Apple Vision Pro, which utilizes hand gestures for control.
The implementation of Double Tap on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 is made possible by the new S9 system-in-a-package (SiP) found in these smartwatches. The SiP’s faster Neural Engine processes data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart sensor, utilizing a new machine learning algorithm to detect wrist movements and changes in blood flow when the index finger and thumb are tapped together.
While Double Tap is exclusive to the new Apple Watch models, owners of older devices need not feel left out. The AssistiveTouch feature, which has been available since the Series 4, offers similar functionality. AssistiveTouch is an accessibility feature designed to aid users who have difficulty touching the screen or pressing buttons. It utilizes the existing sensors on the Apple Watch to perform actions such as answering calls, controlling an onscreen pointer, and launching a menu of actions. These actions are executed through a set of hand gestures, including pinch, double pinch, clench, and double clench.
To enable AssistiveTouch on compatible models (Series 4 and later, SE 1 and later, and Ultra 1 and later), users can navigate to the Accessibility section in the Watch app on their iPhone. By activating Hand Gestures and customizing the gestures to preferred actions, users can access various functionalities like tapping the display, turning the Digital Crown, swiping between screens, and more. Although it may take some time to memorize the customized gestures, AssistiveTouch provides a responsive and practical alternative for those who require assistance.
While Double Tap may not be available on older Apple Watch models due to the limitations of previous chips, users can achieve a similar experience with AssistiveTouch. The earlier S-chips may lack the necessary power for the machine learning algorithm, but AssistiveTouch can effectively replicate the Double Pinch gesture on all Apple Watch models. Although it would have been desirable to make Double Tap available to a wider range of users, AssistiveTouch serves as a valuable workaround.
It remains uncertain whether Double Tap will ever become accessible for older Apple Watch models. However, Apple has previously reversed decisions regarding compatibility, as evidenced by the expansion of certain features to older iPad models. Therefore, there is a possibility that Apple may reconsider its stance on Double Tap in the future. In the meantime, owners of older Apple Watch models can rely on AssistiveTouch for a similar experience.
