App Switcher Returns in watchOS 27.2 Beta With New Launch Gesture
Apple has reinstated the App Switcher feature in the latest watchOS 27.2 beta after removing it in the initial watchOS 27 release. The previous double-press gesture on the Digital Crown is now reserved for the upcoming Live Rewind AI feature, necessitating a new interaction method. Users can now access the App Switcher by pressing and holding the bottom of the screen while inside an application.
- ▪The App Switcher was removed in watchOS 27 because the Digital Crown double-press gesture was reassigned to the Live Rewind AI feature.
- ▪Apple reintroduced the App Switcher in the second watchOS 27.2 beta following user feedback.
- ▪The new gesture to open the App Switcher involves pressing and holding the bottom of the screen while in an app.
- ▪The Live Rewind feature, which provides a transcript of the last 15 seconds of audio, is scheduled for release later this year on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4.
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| Original publisher | MacRumors |
| Canonical URL | https://www.macrumors.com/2026/09/22/app-switcher-returns-watchos-27-2-beta/ |
| Publication time | Tue, 22 Sep 2026 08:41:09 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-22T08:43:51.337Z |
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App Switcher Returns in watchOS 27.2 Beta With New Launch GestureTuesday September 22, 2026 1:41 am PDT by Tim HardwickApple has apparently listened to user feedback and brought back the App Switcher screen in the latest watchOS 27.2 beta, but accessing it is a little different than before. In watchOS 26 and earlier versions, a double press of the Digital Crown would bring up the App Switcher, where you could easily switch to the last-used app and view and open other recently used apps. You could also swipe left on a misbehaving app to force close it. In watchOS 27, the Digital Crown double-press gesture is now reserved for Apple's upcoming new Live Rewind AI feature, so it no longer brings up the App Switcher screen.
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