Apple Introduces Wrist Flick Gesture in watchOS 26 for Select Watch Models

Apple has announced a new feature coming to select Apple Watch models as part of the upcoming watchOS 26 update, expected to be released to the public this fall. The new ‘wrist flick’ gesture will provide users with another hands-free method of interacting with their devices. Specifically, users will be able to dismiss notifications, silence alarms and timers, decline calls, and return to the watch face by quickly flicking their wrist forward and back.

The feature works by using the Apple Watch’s built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, coupled with a machine learning model that analyzes wrist movement to detect the specific gesture. Wrist flick joins the existing ‘double tap’ gesture in enhancing the hands-free user experience.

However, not all Apple Watch models will support this new capability. According to Apple, the wrist flick gesture will be available exclusively on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. These are the same models that currently support the double tap gesture, suggesting the feature relies on newer hardware components and processing capabilities.

watchOS 26 is now available in a developer beta, with a public beta scheduled for July. The final release is expected later in the year.