In the realm of technology, Apple Watch has long been synonymous with groundbreaking innovations in health monitoring. However, in 2023, Apple introduced a notable departure from this trend with the release of the Apple Watch Series 9. Its headline feature was a departure from the health-oriented updates and instead introduced a groundbreaking interaction method known as the "Double Tap" gesture.
This innovative feature arrived on the Apple Watch Series 9 through a software update on October 25. With the Double Tap, you can simply tap your thumb and index finger together twice to perform a range of functions, such as dismissing notifications, answering calls, and accessing your widget stack. Effectively, it creates an invisible button on your Apple Watch, redefining how you interact with this wearable device.
While at first glance, Double Tap may not seem like a groundbreaking change, it takes on more significance when considered alongside recent additions to Apple's lineup. Innovations like the Action button on the Apple Watch Ultra and the customizable widgets introduced in WatchOS 10 indicate a shift in Apple's approach to smartwatch interaction. Apple's journey from the first Apple Watch release over eight years ago has provided valuable insights into how a wrist-worn mini-computer should function differently from its larger smartphone counterpart.
Having used Double Tap extensively on the Series 9, it's becoming clear that there's promise in this new interaction method. By reducing the reliance on traditional touch-based actions such as tapping, typing, and swiping, the Apple Watch becomes more user-friendly, especially given its compact screen. Nevertheless, it's important to note that the current iteration of Double Tap feels like a starting point. Extended usage and the insights gathered during the Series 9 review process have brought to light the need for more customization options and refinements.
While Double Tap doesn't aim to replace fundamental gestures like tapping the screen, rotating the Digital Crown, or using voice commands with Siri, it serves as a valuable supplement to these actions. It's particularly useful in situations where touch or voice commands might be inconvenient or impractical. Whether you're strolling down the street holding a cup of coffee or dealing with a messy cooking task, Double Tap simplifies these interactions.
Double Tap is exclusively available on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, thanks to the advanced S9 chip it relies on. Leveraging data from sensors such as the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart rate sensor, along with a machine learning algorithm, Double Tap detects wrist movements and variations in blood flow. This enables it to identify the specific thumb and index finger tapping motion.
The functionality of Double Tap extends beyond merely dismissing notifications and accessing widgets. It can also be used to:
- View incoming text messages and send quick responses.
- Manage phone calls, both answering and ending them.
- Snooze alarms.
- Control timers, stopwatches, and even adjust music playback.
- Capture photos using your iPhone's camera app.
- Initiate or halt automatic workout reminders.
- Access the Elevation view within the Compass app.
The potential utility of Double Tap is evident, but one question remains: how frequently is it actually used? The answer to that question reveals two key considerations.
First, the practicality of Double Tap largely depends on the situations you find yourself in. For instance, my work-from-home routine over the past week hasn't presented many scenarios where Double Tap would be the preferred mode of interaction. This emphasizes that Double Tap is most effective in specific situations.
The second consideration is the intuitive nature of Double Tap. We've grown accustomed to touchscreen devices for the past decade and a half, making tapping and swiping second nature. In comparison, the Double Tap gesture requires building a new habit. This adaptation process will take time.
However, it's worth noting that I have found value in using Double Tap in specific contexts. For example, it's been a practical tool for swiftly dismissing notifications during focused work on a project. The ability to read a text message, craft a response, and send it, all without physically touching the watch, is a noteworthy advancement. In such instances, the Apple Watch feels more ambient and intuitive, responding to your intentions without the need for a specific button press.
That said, there are areas for improvement with Double Tap. One noticeable limitation is that it doesn't always respond immediately. This is most apparent with alarms but has also occurred during attempts to summon widgets or dismiss notifications. While it's important to note that colleagues who've tested the Series 9 and Ultra 2 haven't reported the same issues, the inconsistent responsiveness can be frustrating.
Furthermore, Double Tap only functions when the screen is fully awake, which differs from the always-on display that shows your watch face even when your wrist is down and the screen is inactive. This is a deliberate approach to prevent accidental gestures, but it can be frustrating when Double Tap doesn't work as expected.
In terms of customization, there's room for improvement with Double Tap. Presently, users can choose whether Double Tap advances the widget stack or selects a specific widget, as well as whether it's used for music playback control. However, additional customization options, especially for alarms and timers, would enhance its utility.
For example, users who frequently set short timers during workouts may prefer the option to tap Double Tap to repeat a timer rather than dismissing it. While this may be a specific use case, it's relevant for fitness enthusiasts and would significantly improve the watch's utility in those scenarios.
In summary, Double Tap, in conjunction with the Action button and widgets, represents a notable step toward making the Apple Watch more user-friendly and intuitive. Despite its imperfections, it's clear that Apple is committed to refining the smartwatch experience, moving beyond the notion of simply shrinking down an iPhone interface.
As we look ahead, the potential of Double Tap and its implications for the Apple Watch's development is indeed exciting. While the concept holds promise, it will be intriguing to witness how Apple further enhances and refines this innovative gesture.