App Switcher Returns in watchOS 27.2 Beta With New Launch Gesture

Apple 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. There were concerns that this meant the App Switcher would be gone for good, but Apple has reinstated it in the second watchOS 27.2 beta, released yesterday. The gesture for opening it has changed, though. As shown in the video below, you now access the App Switcher by pressing and holding the bottom of the screen while you're in an app. Apple has brought back the App Switcher! On watchOS 26 and earlier, you could access the App Switcher by double-clicking the Digital Crown, then turning the Digital Crown to navigate through your recently used apps. You could also swipe left on an app and tap the "X" button to... pic.twitter.com/G5fa0TeTR9 — (@limpless_skelly) September 22, 2026 Apple says Live Rewind, which which offers a transcript of what was said in the last 15 seconds, will be available later this year on Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Popular StoriesPSA: watchOS 27 Removes This Useful Feature From Your Apple WatchThursday September 17, 2026 1:34 am PDT by Tim HardwickApple released watchOS 27 on September 14, bringing a new Audio Intelligence feature set to its latest Apple Watch models, but as a result, owners of previous models are set to lose out doubly in the process. Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models later this year will get Live Rewind, a feature that provides a transcript of any spoken audio that was picked up by the device in the last 15...Apple Releases watchOS 27 With Siri AI, New Watch Face, Smart Stack Improvements and MoreMonday September 14, 2026 10:03 am PDT by Juli CloverApple today released watchOS 27, the newest version of the operating system that runs on the Apple Watch. watchOS 27 is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 9 and later, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, and the Apple Watch SE 3. watchOS 27 can be downloaded for free on a compatible device through the Settings app on the watch. The update introduces support for Siri AI, a more capable...Upgrading to Apple Watch Series 12 Could Cost You Hypertension NotificationsThursday September 10, 2026 11:57 am PDT by Juli CloverSome Apple Watch users who upgrade to the Series 12 or the Ultra 4 might temporarily lose access to hypertension notifications. On the watchOS feature availability page, Apple says notifications might not be available on the Series 12 or Ultra 4 at launch because regulatory clearances are in process. Hypertension Notifications may not be available on Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4 in your ...