Revolutionizing Wearables: Apple Watch's Futuristic Gesture Control Will Leave You in Awe

Prepare to witness individuals in public lightly tapping their two fingers together in the atmosphere.

In recent days, I have successfully undertaken tasks such as making phone calls, listening to music, and navigating through widgets on the cutting-edge Apple Watch Series 9, all without physical contact with the device. From turning off my watch's alarm in the morning to pausing timers and accessing notifications when burdened with numerous bags, this watch has revolutionized my daily interactions.

Despite its initial perception as a gimmick, using the Double Tap gesture on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 proves to be an efficient hands-free solution for interacting with the device. The tool enables users to control the watch by simply tapping their index finger and thumb together, providing a seamless scrolling experience through widgets akin to utilizing the digital crown.

The previous generation of Apple Watch Ultra, with its Assistive Touch accessibility tool, already had the capability for pinch-and-clench gestures, so the feature isn't entirely new. However, Apple's decision to feature this functionality prominently suggests an anticipation of a touch-free future. This move comes just three months after the unveiling of the Vision Pro mixed reality headset, which will launch next year and will also have a similar finger tap control.

How it works

The new Apple Watch Series 9 is displayed during an Apple event on September 12, 2023 in Cupertino, California

The Double Tap feature operates in collaboration with the advanced Apple Watch accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart rate sensor. It detects changes in blood flow when the fingers are pressed together. This gathered data is then analyzed by an enhanced machine learning algorithm that runs on a high-speed neural engine, a dedicated hardware designed specifically for AI and machine learning functions.

The Vision Pro utilizes gesture controls that track users' eye and hand movements, creating a unique interface for seamless interaction. Apple incorporated this feature into the headset to enhance user experience. In contrast, Double Tap on the Apple Watch focuses on simplifying the device's functionality. When the Apple Watch's display is activated, it automatically detects finger contact, serving as a "yes" or "accept" button. For instance, incoming calls can be accepted by double tapping, while covering the watch with a full hand quickly silences it. Similarly, double tapping allows users to pause and resume playing music.

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Courtesy Apple

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When using the display, you can discreetly flick and perform the gesture close to your body, attempting to hide the movement from others. However, I have noticed that it is more effective when the display is raised slightly higher. Nevertheless, this action becomes more noticeable and may require some adjustment when observed in person.

Annette Zimmerman, an analyst at Gartner Research, commented on the social acceptance aspect of this gesture. Currently, she finds it amusing that individuals often make this gesture in public. However, only time will determine if users deem it acceptable. Zimmerman believes that Apple is highly user-oriented and prioritizes enhancing their products based on user feedback.

People initially had difficulty adjusting to the appearance of Apples AirPods when they were introduced in 2016 as they were criticized for how they protruded from users ears. However, they have now become ingrained in contemporary society.

The Double Tap feature also presents a learning curve. As a right-handed person who wears an Apple Watch on my left wrist, it requires an additional moment or two of mental coordination to tap my left fingers together in order to activate the control.

The future of hands-free devices

The new Apple Watch Series 9 can be controlled by tapping two fingers together

From Apple

Apple is not the only company in the tech industry working on gesture controls. Samsung TVs, certain smartphones, and Microsoft's mixed reality headset also incorporate hand gesture functionality. However, Apple's latest move to incorporate this feature into their flagship device, the Apple Watch, is their most significant effort to date. This addition is expected to generate significant attention and interest in the concept of hand gestures.

According to Sachin Mehta, a senior analyst at tech intelligence firm ABI Research, this is a strategic and innovative move by Apple that sets them apart from other brands. It highlights Apple's commitment to both innovation and ease of use, as well as their involvement in the field of artificial intelligence. Mehta also notes that the introduction of the new double tap gesture is in line with Apple's ongoing efforts to provide a unified and intuitive user experience across their product lineup. Ultimately, this development will solidify the Apple Watch as the leading smartwatch in the market.

On the Vision Pro, the functionality is distinct as it utilizes eye and hand tracking to enable punching and swiping controls. In order to interact with the headset, a unique user interface was developed, allowing users to retain control even when their face is obstructed by the hardware.

Illustrating Apple's long-term perspective on gesture control, recent patent filings have demonstrated their focus on incorporating gesture controls, including in relation to the Apple TV. In light of this, Mehta confidently anticipates an increase in gesture features across Apple's product range going forward.

Beyond the gesture

The Apple Watch Series 9 is equipped with Apple's latest state-of-the-art silicon chip and advanced ultrawideband connectivity, in addition to the popular Double Tap feature. With the new watch, users can effortlessly record health data using their voice, quickly share contact information by simply touching another Apple Watch, and conveniently brighten the display by raising their wrist. This sleek model will be available in an array of stylish colors including pink, navy, red, gold, silver, and graphite.

Apple unveiled the enhanced Ultra smartwatch line, which includes the latest S9 custom chip and a new ultrawideband chip utilizing radio waves for communication. The upgraded version showcases additional tracking information on its display for a more comprehensive experience.

Priced at $399, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Ultra, available at $799, will be available for shipping starting Friday, September 22. However, the Double Tap feature will be introduced through a software update in the upcoming month.