Apple Watch Series 9 Introduces New Double Tap Gesture with Latest 101 Update

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 have been launched without one of their flagship features—the creative Double Tap gesture. However, with the watchOS 10.1 update, Double Tap is now being rolled out. This update also brings some improvements to older models of the Apple Watch, most notably NameDrop support.

Double Tap allows you to quickly answer calls, reply to messages, scroll through Smart Stacks, and perform other common tasks with ease. Simply touch your index finger and thumb together twice to trigger the desired action. When the gesture is successfully performed, a Double Tap icon will appear at the top of your Apple Watch. (If a certain app or screen does not support Double Tap, the Double Tap icon will shake from side to side.)

Double Tap is only supported by the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, this gesture will not function when either Low Power Mode or Sleep Focus is active. Additionally, it is not compatible with certain accessibility features, although Apple does not specify which ones.

In the watchOS 10.1 update, NameDrop feature is introduced for the Apple Watch Series 7 and later models, as well as the Watch Ultra series and Watch SE Gen 2. NameDrop is an impressive feature that allows you to transfer contact information to another person simply by holding two Apple devices together. For instance, you can use NameDrop between two Apple Watches or even between an Apple Watch and an iPhone.

There are several bug fixes in watchOS 10.1. Apple has addressed a syncing issue for the Weather app on both iPhone and Apple Watch. Additionally, it has patched a bug in the elevation system of Apple Watch and fixed the broken climate section of the Apple Watch Home app.

You should receive a notification to install watchOS 10.1. If not, you can manually install the update by opening the Apple Watch app on an iPhone running iOS 17. To install iOS 17, go to "General" in Settings and select "Software Update" on your iPhone. It is important to note that the Apple Watch must be placed on a charger during the update process. If your battery is below 50%, the update will not install. Therefore, it is recommended to perform this update before going to bed.

Source: Apple via MacRumors