One of the main novelties of the new version of watchOS 8.3 Release Candidate is that it adds the AssistiveTouch function in older Apple Watch models. This feature that was released exclusively for the most current models from the SE or Series 6 onwards, finally It comes for older models like the Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5. This is undoubtedly very good news since it offers the possibility of combining it with VoiceOver, offering greater accessibility to the user.
AssistiveTouch will come to the older Apple Watch
AssistiveTouch allows you to use hand gestures to navigate and use Apple Watch. This feature is activated manually in the settings, and when you raise your wrist, a blue ring around the Apple Watch screen indicates that AssistiveTouch is on and ready for you to activate with the default gesture of making a fist twice. You can change the color of the ring in Accessibility> AssistiveTouch> Color. You can also deactivate the ring in Accessibility> AssistiveTouch> Hand gestures> Activation gesture.
When you turn on AssistiveTouch, a focus ring appears around the first item on the screen. The ring indicates that you can press the item using AssistiveTouch. This option is really useful for those who have mobility problems in the hands or general problems in the upper extremities use the watch with ease.
How to activate AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch
- Open the Apple Watch Settings app
- Press Accessibility, then AssistiveTouch
- Press AssistiveTouch to activate it, then OK to confirm. You can also tap Try it out to watch an introductory video
In principle it is available for users who have the beta version installed, but it will arrive with the final version soon.
Hello, I would like to buy an Apple Watch Series 7. Can you tell me how you interact with the applications on my phone? Do you only receive notifications or is there the possibility to control it through the watch? For example, I have an ajax home security system that I control through the application, can I go for a run without my phone, arm the house and in case it happens not only see the notification, but also control the application to through the clock? Thank you.