watchOS 10.1 released with the coveted Double Tap feature

Alongside iOS 17.1 today, Apple has also released watchOS 10.1. This is also the first .1 update to watchOS 10 since it came out last month, and it actually brings two main features.

The first new feature is one that Apple debuted on the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 last month. Which is Double Tap. It was odd that this was not available at launch, since it was the only real reason to upgrade from last year’s Apple Watches. But it’s here now in watchOS 10.1. This feature lets you double tap your fingers together to navigate through your Apple Watch. Now it’s not perfect, but it is pretty cool, especially if your other hand is full of groceries. Early beta testers have found that the feature doesn’t work in every single app, unfortunately.

The other feature is NameDrop. This actually came to the iPhone in iOS 17 last month, but now it’s here in watchOS 10.1. Basically, you can tap your watch to someone’s iPhone (or Apple Watch) to transfer your contact information. Just tap on the Contacts app, and then select your profile and tap on “share” from there you can bring the other person’s Apple Watch or iPhone close to initiate the transfer. It’s a really cool feature and kills the need for business cards.

When will watchOS 10.2 beta start?

Now that the beta for watchOS 10.1 is over, many might be wondering when the beta for watchOS 10.2 might start? It’ll likely start either tomorrow, or Apple might wait until next week to roll out the first beta.

As to what is coming in watchOS 10.2? We don’t have a clue yet, but should know pretty soon. And that’s because all of the features that Apple touted with watchOS 10 and even the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 have already been released. So this could be a pretty small update. Even though we are expecting that iOS 17.2 will be a bigger update versus iOS 17.1.