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.
