# WatchOS 27 cuts app-switch shortcut for older Apple Watches

> WatchOS 27 changes app-switch shortcut for older Apple Watches, removing a long-standing feature.
- Title: WatchOS 27 cuts app-switch shortcut for older Apple Watches
- Summary: WatchOS 27 changes app-switch shortcut for older Apple Watches, removing a long-standing feature. Older Apple Watch models lose app-switch shortcut in…
- Keywords: watchos 27, apple watch, digital crown, app grid, live rewind, september 18, apple watch series 12, apple watch ultra 4, macrumors, preorder, technology, culture
- Source: Mashable — https://mashable.com/tech/apple-watch-watchos-27-missing-feature
- Author: Alex Perry
- Published: 2026-09-17T14:51:15+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: watchos 27, apple watch, digital crown, app grid, live rewind, september 18, apple watch series 12, apple watch ultra 4, macrumors, preorder, technology, culture
## WatchOS 27 changes shortcut
WatchOS 27 removes the double-click Digital Crown app-switch shortcut from older Apple Watches.
## Newer models get Live Rewind
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 users get Live Rewind when double-clicking the Digital Crown.
## Older models revert to app grid
Older Apple Watches show the app grid instead of switching apps when double-clicking the Digital Crown.
## No settings option to change
Users can't adjust the Digital Crown behavior in settings for either new or older models.
## Launch date for new models
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 launch on September 18 with preorder available now.
## Key takeaway

Older Apple Watch models lose app-switch shortcut in WatchOS 27, reverting to app grid instead.