Double Tap on AWU2 is the same as limiting Stage Manager on older iPads

[SweetPeaRevenge]

Apple mentioned that the new Double Tap feature is exclusive to the AWU2 because of hardware reasons. However, this reminds me of when they initially limited the Stage Manager feature to the newer M series iPads. After feedback, they made the feature available on older iPads. Given this, it seems possible that Apple could also offer the Double Tap feature on the slightly older AWU1 and AW S7-8 models.

 

[M33-1]

As much as I agree that it’s possible to work on the Apple Watch Ultra one, the battery hit would be too large. From what I understand, the Apple Watch Ultra series one would need to use the CPU to listen for the double tap. On the Apple Watch series 2 it uses the Neural Engine to listen for the double tap, which is significantly less power.

That is why Apple is not releasing it on the older watches. The neural engine just did not exist a year ago that is capable to listen to this option when invoked. The Neural Engine just sits there in the background and quietly listens/monitors the entire time the watch is on for someone to double tap. If you tried to do this with the CPU on the Apple Watch Ultra series one the battery would drain way too fast.

When I turned on the accessibility feature on the Apple Watch ultra series 1 to mimic double tap, my battery drain was significant as the watch was constantly listening for a gesture.

 

[SweetPeaRevenge]

As much as I agree that it’s possible to work on the Apple Watch Ultra one, the battery hit would be too large. From what I understand, the Apple Watch Ultra series one would need to use the CPU to listen for the double tap. On the Apple Watch series 2 it uses the Neural Engine to listen for the double tap, which is significantly less power.

That is why Apple is not releasing it on the older watches. The neural engine just did not exist a year ago that is capable to listen to this option when invoked. The Neural Engine just sits there in the background and quietly listens/monitors the entire time the watch is on for someone to double tap. If you tried to do this with the CPU on the Apple Watch Ultra series one the battery would drain way too fast.

When I turned on the accessibility feature on the Apple Watch ultra series 1 to mimic double tap, my battery drain was significant as the watch was constantly listening for a gesture.

All good points except the AW1 does have a Neural Enfine, though the newer version is ”up to 50% faster”

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Ultra 2 Buyer's Guide: 12 Differences Compared

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www.macrumors.com

I stand by my original commentary. This stinks of apple locking features behind the latest hardware to force upgrades On a year old device.

 

[newellj]

All good points except the AW1 does have a Neural Enfine, though the newer version is ”up to 50% faster”

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Ultra 2 Buyer's Guide: 12 Differences Compared

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 replaces the first-generation model that was introduced last year in Apple's smartwatch lineup, but how different are the two successive smartwatch generations? In 2023, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra, introducing a more durable design and titanium casing, a...

www.macrumors.com

Right, that’s the point, or at least a big factor.

I tried the Assistive Touch gestures a year or so ago and had the same experience as M33-1. In addition, it was a lot less reliable than the Double Tap gesture, at least as it’s being demonstrated currently.

 

[jz0309]

All good points except the AW1 does have a Neural Enfine, though the newer version is ”up to 50% faster”

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Ultra 2 Buyer's Guide: 12 Differences Compared

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 replaces the first-generation model that was introduced last year in Apple's smartwatch lineup, but how different are the two successive smartwatch generations? In 2023, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra, introducing a more durable design and titanium casing, a...

www.macrumors.com

I stand by my original commentary. This stinks of apple locking features behind the latest hardware to force upgrades On a year old device.

No one “forces” you to upgrade.
You have zero proof that the new feature would work on older models.

 

[Analog Kid]

Apple mentioned that the new Double Tap feature is exclusive to the AWU2 because of hardware reasons. However, this reminds me of when they initially limited the Stage Manager feature to the newer M series iPads. After feedback, they made the feature available on older iPads. Given this, it seems possible that Apple could also offer the Double Tap feature on the slightly older AWU1 and AW S7-8 models.

Not that it matters, there is a ton that would go into implementing DT. More sensitive sensors, power management, neural processing, possibly physical arrangement of the sensors... "AWU1 has a neural engine" doesn't really mean much.

More importantly, you bought the AWU1 for the features it had and it still has those. If DT is so life changing that it motivates you to spend another $800 just to get it, then it really is a valuable enough feature that Apple should be compensated for the development of it. More likely, it's one on a steady number of features that will make your future upgrade that much more satisfying when you finally pull the trigger.