Apple has brought back the App Switcher in the second watchOS 27.2 beta, restoring a way to move between recently used Apple Watch apps after the feature disappeared from its previous shortcut in watchOS 27. The screen is still available, but users now open it with a new touch gesture.

In watchOS 26 and earlier, double-pressing the Digital Crown opened the App Switcher. From there, users could return to the last app they had used, browse other recent apps, or close an unresponsive app by swiping left and tapping the delete control.

How to open the App Switcher in watchOS 27.2

The latest beta changes how users reach the screen. While inside an app, pressing and holding the bottom edge of the display now opens the App Switcher. A demonstration posted to X shows the gesture and the restored interface.

The change means the Digital Crown double-press is no longer available for app switching in watchOS 27. That button combination is reserved for Apple's upcoming Live Rewind feature, which is designed to provide a transcript of what was said during the previous 15 seconds.

Why Apple changed the Digital Crown shortcut

Apple's decision to assign the Digital Crown shortcut to Live Rewind raised concerns that the App Switcher had been removed permanently. The watchOS 27.2 beta suggests Apple is instead separating the two functions: Live Rewind keeps the hardware shortcut, while app switching moves to an on-screen gesture.

For people who frequently jump between apps, the new method may require some adjustment. It also changes the muscle memory built around the Digital Crown, although the App Switcher itself continues to provide access to recent apps and the option to force-close one that is not responding.

When Live Rewind will arrive

Apple says Live Rewind will become available later this year. The feature is planned for Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, according to the information accompanying the watchOS update.

The restored App Switcher is currently part of the second watchOS 27.2 beta. Apple could make further changes before the software reaches a wider release, so the final gesture or interface may not be identical to what appears in this testing version.