Apple Restores App Switcher in watchOS 27.2 Beta with a New Gesture

Apple has re-added the App Switcher to watchOS 27.2 beta 2 after its removal in watchOS 27. The feature is now accessed by pressing and holding the bottom of the screen while inside an app, replacing the former double-press of the Digital Crown. The double-press gesture has been reassigned to the upcoming Live Rewind AI feature.

MacRumors9to5MacwatchOS 27.2 will restore a useful Apple Watch feature, but there’s a catch Apple rolls out the second developer betas of iOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, and more

watchOS 27 eliminated the double-press Digital Crown shortcut that opened the App Switcher, breaking years of user muscle memory. The new press-and-hold gesture restores the ability to view recently used apps, though the interaction differs from earlier versions. Apple’s beta rollout this cycle also includes iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS 27.2 (Golden Gate), tvOS 27.2, and visionOS 27.2, all released to developers a week after the first betas.

MacRumorsApple rolls out the second developer betas of iOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, and more 9to5MacMacRumors

• Earlier this month – Apple released the initial public versions of iOS 27.0, iPadOS 27.0, watchOS 27.0, macOS 27.0, tvOS 27.0, and visionOS 27.0, adding stability improvements and features such as Apple Intelligence and Siri AI.

MacRumorsApple rolls out the second developer betas of iOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, and more 9to5MacBoy Genius Report

• Recent week – Apple rolled out the second developer betas of watchOS 27.2 (build 24S5091f) and related OSes to registered developers.

Apple rolls out the second developer betas of iOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, and more

• Yesterday – The watchOS 27.2 beta 2 update added the App Switcher with the press-and-hold gesture, as reported by multiple outlets.

9to5Mac

• Build numbers for the second developer betas: iOS 27.2 Beta 2 (24B5089g), iPadOS 27.2 Beta 2 (24B5089g), macOS Golden Gate 27.2 Beta 2 (26B5091g), tvOS 27.2 Beta 2 (24K5093g), watchOS 27.2 Beta 2 (24S5091f), visionOS 27.2 Beta 2 (24N5093f).

Apple rolls out the second developer betas of iOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, and more MacRumors9to5MacMacRumors

• The App Switcher’s removal in watchOS 27 prompted user complaints about the repurposed double-press gesture.

MacRumors

Apple said the change reflects “listening to user feedback,” noting that the new press-and-hold interaction restores the App Switcher while reserving the double-press for Live Rewind AI. Beta release notes describe the App Switcher as “restored with a new gesture” and note that the feature is still in testing.

MacRumors

Restoring the App Switcher improves workflow continuity for users who rely on rapid app toggling, especially in professional or fitness contexts. By reallocating the double-press to Live Rewind AI, Apple signals a shift toward AI-driven media features while preserving core navigation through the new gesture.

MacRumors