Apple released the watchOS 10.1 update, bringing the Double Tap gesture to the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, among other changes. The watchOS 10.1 update is the first major release of Apple Watch since the release of watchOS 10. Its first 1st update usually consists of features that Apple did not get in the first generation, and this is also true for watchOS 10.1. The key feature of this update is support for the Double Tap gesture that Apple used to promote the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 at launch. While other older models can use this gesture via the Accessibility menu, the update makes it easier for owners of the newest wearable to activate it.
Double Tap gesture added with watchOS 10.1
Other changes revealed in beta versions of the release include NameDrop, Apple’s contact sharing feature for the iPhone. The update also includes fixes for minor battery drain settings bugs and adjusts the auto-dimming element of the auto-brightness feature to not trigger automatically. Apple Watch users can update their device by opening the Watch app on a paired iPhone, selecting General in the My Watch tab, then selecting Software Update. In order for the update to be installed, the Apple Watch must have 50 percent or more charge and the paired iPhone must be within range.