Apple’s watchOS 10.2 beta 3 has brought back a much-requested feature: the ability to swipe between watch faces using a simple gesture. This was a feature that was removed in watchOS 8, and its absence was met with disappointment from many Apple Watch users. In this latest beta, the gesture is not enabled by default, but users can manually enable it in the Clock settings on the Apple Watch itself.
Key Highlights:
- Swipe gesture for switching watch faces returns in watchOS 10.2 beta 3
- Feature was removed in watchOS 8 and its absence was met with criticism
- Gesture needs to be enabled manually in Clock settings on Apple Watch
Apple’s decision to remove the swipe gesture in watchOS 8 was met with criticism from some users, who felt that it was a more intuitive and user-friendly way to navigate between watch faces. The company did not provide any official explanation for the removal, but it is speculated that it may have been done to make the user interface more consistent with other Apple devices, such as the iPhone and iPad.
watchOS 10.2 Beta 3: A Return to Form
Apple’s watchOS 10.2 beta 3 is a welcome update that reinstates a much-missed gesture for navigating between watch faces. The swipe gesture, which was removed in watchOS 8, was a popular feature among Apple Watch users who found it to be more intuitive and user-friendly. While the gesture needs to be enabled manually in the Clock settings on the Apple Watch, its return is a positive step forward for Apple.
In addition to bringing back the swipe gesture, watchOS 10.2 beta 3 also includes a number of other enhancements and bug fixes. One notable new feature is the ability to add multiple timers to the Control Center. This is a useful addition for users who frequently use timers for different tasks. The update also includes several bug fixes, including one that addressed an issue that was causing some users’ watch faces to become unresponsive.
User Reactions and Feedback
The return of the swipe gesture has been met with positive reactions from many Apple Watch users. Some have taken to social media to express their relief and gratitude, while others have simply started using the gesture again. It is unclear whether Apple will make the swipe gesture the default option in future releases of watchOS, but its reinstatement in this beta is a welcome change for many users.
Additional Features and Improvements
In addition to bringing back the swipe gesture, watchOS 10.2 beta 3 also includes a number of other enhancements and bug fixes. One notable new feature is the ability to add multiple timers to the Control Center. This is a useful addition for users who frequently use timers for different tasks.
watchOS 10.2 beta 3 is currently available to developers and public beta testers. The final version of watchOS 10.2 is expected to be released to the public in the fall of 2023.
