At the recent Apple Wonderlust event, the tech giant not only unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 15 series but also introduced an array of new additions to its Apple Watch family. Among the star features that Apple showcased on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 was the innovative “Double Tap” gesture.
This particular gesture allows users to perform a range of actions on their Apple Watches without physically touching the watch’s screen. By simply double-tapping their index finger and thumb together in a way that resembles a tiny clap, users can answer incoming calls, control music playback, and access notifications, among other functions.
While the “Double Tap” gesture was a highlight at the recent event, what’s interesting is that it isn’t entirely new. Similar gestures have existed on older Apple Watch models, although they may not have received the same level of attention. These gestures, including “Double Tap,” have been available on Apple Watches since Series 4 and the Apple Watch SE.
Activating Double Tap on Older Apple Watch
For those who own older Apple Watches and wish to enable the “Double Tap” gesture, here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Access Accessibility via Settings
Start by navigating to the Settings app on your Apple Watch. You can do this by pressing the crown on the side of your watch to access the list of apps. Scroll down within the app list to locate the Accessibility option.
Step 2: Enable Assistive Touch
Inside the Accessibility menu, you’ll find an option called Assistive Touch. Activate this feature. You’ll receive a notification that enabling Assistive Touch allows you to navigate your Apple Watch using one-handed gestures. Confirm your choice.
Step 3: Activate Hand Gestures
Directly below the Assistive Touch option, you’ll find Hand Gestures. Turn on this feature by toggling the switch, making it appear in green.
Step 4: Customize Actions with “Double Pinch”
Now that Hand Gestures are active, you’ll find a list of gestures to choose from. Among them is “Double Pinch.” Select this gesture to explore a variety of actions that can be executed using this specific gesture. These actions include moving forward and backward, tapping, accessing the Action Menu, Notification Center, Control Center, and more. Customize your preferred action, and start using the “Double Pinch” gesture to carry out these commands.
Step 5: Explore Four Hand Gestures
Although Apple emphasized the “Double Tap” gesture, it’s important to note that there are actually four hand gestures available for customization. In addition to “Double Pinch,” you have the options of “Pinch,” “Clench,” and “Double Clench.” Each of these gestures can be customized to perform different commands, all accessible in the Assistive Touch menu.
Conclusion
While the “Double Tap” and “Double Pinch” gestures may seem similar in execution, they serve different purposes. The “Double Tap” isn’t primarily an Accessibility feature but can be used as one. Conversely, “Double Pinch” falls under the Accessibility category and can be customized to perform specific commands. So, if you own an Apple Watch Series 4 or a later model and are intrigued by the “Double Tap” feature, there’s no need to feel left out. Simply head to the Assistive Touch settings and unleash the capabilities of your Apple Watch through the two-finger clapping gesture.
Also Read: How to Fix Portrait Mode Not Working on iPhone 13 (Pro/Max)?
