Apple Watch users get another gesture option in watchOS 27 with the addition of a single tap gesture. This new feature lets you tap your index finger and thumb together once to select widgets in the Smart Stack, making the device more usable when your other hand is occupied. It joins the existing double tap and wrist flick gestures that have been gradually improving the wearable's accessibility.

Apple introduced double tap with Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in 2023 as the first major gesture-based navigation feature. Last year's watchOS 26 added wrist flick for dismissing content and returning to the watch face. The single tap gesture in watchOS 27 completes the trio, offering a natural progression from navigation to selection without requiring touch input.

During the beta testing period, the tap gesture has proven reliable and intuitive. Users can double tap to open the Smart Stack, where a glow now highlights the active widget indicating it's ready for selection. The single tap then opens the corresponding app, creating a seamless workflow for single-handed operation.

These gesture improvements address real-world usage scenarios where users are cooking, holding children, or otherwise unable to use both hands. The cumulative effect makes the Apple Watch significantly more practical for daily use, reducing the friction of navigating the interface when multitasking.