The Apple Watch certainly feels like a mature platform right now. Software-wise, there’s generally not a ton I’d like to see – although there’s probably more potential for the Apple Watch to act as an AI wearable. However, there is one software development that I would really like to see them add to the Apple Watch.
The Apple Watch Ultra has an action button
One of the standout features about the Apple Watch Ultra is that it has an Action button. I’m very grateful to have it, especially to open the exercise app a little.
I’m not much of an Apple Watch power user. I wear one every day to track my work and check the time, but I don’t interact with apps or even check notifications on it. So, when I interact with my Apple Watch, it usually opens the workout app, which is what I have my Action Button set to.
However, other Apple Watch models do not have the same compatibility.
It makes sense, clarity. The Apple Watch Ultra is very big and bulky, so there is room to put an extra button. In the new 11 series, I didn’t expect Apple to add a second button. However, they can work around the software.
application for watchOS 27
With the Apple Watch, there are actually two buttons to work with. There is a click function on the digital crown, and then there is a button on the side.
Clicking the digital crown goes to the app launcher, double-clicking opens the app switcher, and holding it launches Siri. So, there is not much room to work there.
As for the side button, clicking it once it opens Control Center, double-clicking it opens Apple Pay, and holding it goes to the power-off menu.
I think there is an opportunity to use the action of holding the side button.
Think about it. On the iPhone, holding down the side button hasn’t opened the power menu in years. Since the iPhone X, that has been mapped to Siri. Instead, to turn off your iPhone, you have to hold the volume up and the side button.
I think that similarity can be brought to the Apple Watch, where powering off is achieved by holding both the side button and the digital crown. Currently, 10 seconds of that will trigger a power reset, but it could just extend that window to 20 seconds for the button combination to be used to power off.
Then, once the switch is doubled, the action of simply holding down the side button can be used as an Action button of sorts. This will be available on all Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Ultra – so those users can have a customized second button.
Finish it
Maybe my suggestion is too mixed for some Apple Watch users. Alternatively, Apple could also consider allowing the double-click button on the side to be repositioned to something custom – and keep everything else the same. I haven’t used Apple Pay on my watch much (except for occasional travel), so I’d be fine with that compromise.
Finally, I think it would be great if every Apple Watch user had the ability to have a customized button, like the Apple Watch Ultra.
My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:
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