The official release of Apple Watch’s latest update “watchOS27” is approaching. While many improvements are expected in this update, it also has the aspect of quietly removing or changing useful functions that were previously available.
This time, we will explain the three functions abolished or changed in watchOS27 and their impact and background.
This article is based on the content confirmed during the watchOS27 public beta version, and may be changed or deleted when it is officially released.
Discontinuation of transceiver function
The dedicated app “Transceiver” that allows Apple Watches to send and receive voice messages in real time will be completely removed in watchOS27.
When the walkie-talkie function was first introduced, it attracted attention as a “communications experience like something out of a science fiction movie.” However, in addition to the frequent connection errors and privacy issues caused by the sudden sound coming from the speakers, its actual usage rate was limited due to the fact that voice input using iMessage or voice messages could be used as a sufficient substitute.
However, it will be a blow to the core users who have come in handy during field work, family activities, or specific activities. It is difficult to perfectly reproduce the same seamless operation experience on the Apple Watch with a third-party app, so you will need to consider alternatives.
A Walkie Talkie app that worked cross-platform on both iPhone and Apple Watch might have been accepted by more users.
Application switching by double-clicking the Digital Crown has been removed.
The Digital Crown’s double-click function (multitasking), which has been popular for many years, has been removed.
Up until now, double-click has been a very useful shortcut for quickly navigating to the Music app while tracking a workout, or quickly switching back and forth between the watch face and the previous app.
In watchOS27, double-clicking the Digital Crown has the same behavior as a single click.
Concerns about wasting button resources
The Apple Watch is a device with very limited physical buttons (with the exception of the Apple Watch Ultra series, there are basically only two: the Digital Crown and the side button).
Double-clicking the side button is assigned to launch Apple Wallet, but some have raised questions about the fact that the valuable input action of double-clicking the Digital Crown turns into a duplicate single-click.
It is expected that the function will be restored in a future minor update, or given a different role on new hardware.
The app launch screen has been updated to “Dynamic App Grid”
The behavior when you press the Digital Crown once has changed significantly from the “whole app launcher (grid display/list display)” that has continued since the first generation watchOS to the “dynamic app grid (dynamic app grid).”
Features of the new feature “Dynamic App Grid”
Press the Digital Crown once to prioritize the following screens.
- Siri app icon
- 5 recommended apps suggested by AI
- Icon for displaying all apps
To see the full list of apps, tap the icon at the bottom or turn the Digital Crown to scroll down.
Background and advantages/disadvantages of the change
Benefits (Apple’s aim)
A minority of users frequently search for third-party apps on their Apple Watch. Large, easy-to-tap icons are narrowed down to 5 icons, making it easier to quickly access the apps you want. Additionally, by placing Siri on the front, the design encourages the use of the assistant function.
Disadvantages (heavy user perspective)
For advanced users who want to quickly open a specific app without hesitation, it may feel like it’s an additional step to open a list of all apps, making the operation more labor-intensive. It would be desirable to have a toggle (off function) that allows you to return to the classic overall grid display in one go.
Adaptation to change and future challenges
The changes and deletions of these three functions in watchOS27 are summarized as follows.
You can scroll
| function | Change details | Main impact on users |
|---|---|---|
| transceiver | Complete deletion | Loyal users will need to switch to third-party apps, etc. |
| Digital Crown double click | Abolition of app switching | Quick movement between apps, such as when working out, is no longer possible |
| Digital Crown Single Click | Change to dynamic app grid | Added 1 step to app list display Siri/recommended apps are displayed first |
In addition, as with past updates, some existing dials such as “Explorer” are no longer available, and revisions are being made not only in terms of functionality but also in terms of design customization.
As an OS evolves, it is an inevitable process to organize infrequently used functions and unify them into a new UI design. However, many users are expected to be confused by the disappearance of familiar operation shortcuts on the Apple Watch, which has fewer physical buttons, after the update.
We will continue to monitor how user feedback is reflected in future updates.
Photo: 9to5Mac
Source: iPhone Mania
