According to MacRumors reporting on watchOS 27, Apple has officially altered a core hardware shortcut across all Apple Watch models, removing the longtime ability to switch between current and previous apps with a double-click of the Digital Crown. The software update, which launched on Monday, replaces the familiar app-switching behavior with different functions depending on the specific smartwatch hardware.
Digital Crown Double-Click Behavior Changes in watchOS 27
For years, double-clicking the Digital Crown on an Apple Watch instantly toggled back and forth between the active app and the previously used one. According to MacRumors, watchOS 27 eliminates this function entirely. Users who purchase the Apple Watch Series 12 or Apple Watch Ultra 4 will find that the double-click action now triggers Live Rewind. As reported by sources, this hardware-exclusive listening feature automatically transcribes spoken audio captured by the watch during the prior 15 seconds.
Pro Tip: Owners of older Apple Watch models that lack hardware support for Live Rewind will see the app grid appear instead of the previous app when double-clicking the Digital Crown, according to MacRumors coverage.
Lack of Settings Customization Draws User Friction
Frustration is growing among users because watchOS 27 provides no toggle in the settings menu to revert the Digital Crown action to the classic app-switching behavior. According to MacRumors, this absence of customization impacts both owners of legacy devices who cannot access Live Rewind and owners of newer hardware who prefer not to use the listening feature.
Did You Know? The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 launch on Friday, Sept. 18, with preorders already open at $779.99 on platforms like Amazon, ahead of the public rollout of watchOS 27 features.
Walkie-Talkie App Quietly Removed in Beta Build
According to MacRumors reporting on the first watchOS 27 developer beta, Apple quietly removed the Walkie-Talkie app from both the app list and the Control Center. First introduced with watchOS 5 in 2018, the feature allowed users to send push-to-talk voice messages over Wi-Fi or cellular networks using FaceTime infrastructure across any distance.
Despite its initial utility, Apple gave the application minimal attention over eight major watchOS releases, as noted by MacRumors. Early versions of Walkie-Talkie faced a temporary disablement due to a security vulnerability that allowed microphone access without user knowledge, though Apple patched the flaw in watchOS 5.3. With watchOS 27 still in early beta testing ahead of its public beta next month and fall release, the unconfirmed disappearance looks like a permanent retirement rather than an accidental omission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does double-clicking the Digital Crown do in watchOS 27?
According to MacRumors, double-clicking the Digital Crown no longer switches between recent apps. On the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, it activates the Live Rewind audio transcription feature. On older watches, it opens the app grid.
Can I change the Digital Crown shortcut back to app-switching?
No. According to MacRumors, watchOS 27 currently includes no settings option to customize or revert the double-click Digital Crown behavior.
What happened to the Walkie-Talkie app on Apple Watch?
According to MacRumors reporting on the watchOS 27 developer beta, Apple removed the Walkie-Talkie app entirely from the app list and Control Center.
When do the new Apple Watch models launch?
According to product listings, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 launch on Friday, Sept. 18, and are currently available for preorder.
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