GoKawiilApple's watchOS 27 drops Walkie-Talkie and Digital Crown multitasking shortcut
Apple's upcoming watchOS 27 update, expected later this month, removes the Walkie-Talkie app entirely and eliminates the double-click Digital Crown gesture that previously let users jump between two apps. It also changes single-click behavior on the Digital Crown, now always opening a dynamic app grid instead of the traditional static launcher.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
These changes affect longtime muscle-memory habits for Apple Watch users, particularly those who relied on Walkie-Talkie for real-time voice chat or the double-click shortcut for quick app switching. Removing established features without a clear replacement risks frustrating loyal users even as Apple pushes its interface toward a more dynamic, less button-dependent design.
- Walkie-Talkie is being removed entirely from Apple Watch in watchOS 27.
- The double-click Digital Crown multitasking shortcut now behaves the same as a single click.
- Single-clicking the Digital Crown will always open a new dynamic app grid instead of the classic launcher.
Apple Watch Series 11 — If you're weighing watchOS 27's changes, the Series 11 is the watch that ships with Apple's latest software experience out of the box. It's the most direct way to see how the new multitasking and interface behavior feels day to day, with Apple's current health and fitness tracking built in.
See Apple Watch Series 11 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Zac Hall, 2026-09-04
Published there as: “watchOS 27 removes three features that Apple Watch users might miss after updating”
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