watchOS 27, released September 14, removes the Digital Crown double-click app-switching feature for all Apple Watch models and reserves it exclusively for the new Live Rewind audio transcript feature on Series 12 and Ultra 4. Older model owners lose functionality without gaining the new feature, and Apple offers no option to customize the button assignment or disable Live Rewind.
watchOS 27 removes the double-click Digital Crown shortcut for app switching on older Apple Watch models to make room for Live Rewind, a new 15-second audio transcript feature exclusive to Series 12 and Ultra 4. Older watches now open a dynamic app grid with the same gesture, disappointing users who relied on the quick multitasking feature.