Apple Watch loses a useful multitasking feature in watchOS 27 that I’ve been missing

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-03T17:51:02.661Z • Permanent link

Apple's latest watchOS 27 update has left many users disappointed, particularly those who rely on the Apple Watch for multitasking. A feature that has been a staple on the device for years has been removed, leaving many to wonder what prompted this change. According to sources close to the matter, the decision was made by Apple's senior leadership team, which includes CEO Tim Cook and his top lieutenants, including SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi. The removal of the multitasking feature is believed to be part of a broader effort to simplify the user interface and focus on core functionality. Apple's design philosophy, as outlined by Jony Ive, the company's late chief design officer, emphasizes minimalism and ease of use.

Details of the change are still sketchy, but reports suggest that the feature was removed due to technical issues, particularly with the integration of third-party apps. Apple has long been cautious about allowing outside developers to create apps for the Apple Watch, preferring to control the user experience. However, the removal of the multitasking feature has sparked concerns among developers and users, who are worried about the impact on productivity and user engagement. Apple's competitors, such as Samsung and Fitbit, have long offered similar features on their own smartwatches, and some analysts are predicting that Apple will be forced to re-evaluate its strategy in response to user backlash.

Industry insiders are pointing to the iPhone's own multitasking limitations as a potential motivator for the change. Apple's iOS 16 update, released earlier this year, introduced a new multitasking feature that allows users to switch between multiple apps on the iPhone. However, this feature has been met with skepticism by some users, who argue that it is still clunky and difficult to use. Apple's watchOS 27 update may be seen as a way to extend this feature to the Apple Watch, but the removal of the multitasking feature on the watch has raised questions about the company's priorities and commitment to user experience.

The removal of the multitasking feature on the Apple Watch has significant implications for the tech industry as a whole. Developers and researchers are concerned about the impact on productivity and user engagement, particularly in industries such as healthcare and finance, where the Apple Watch is widely used. Companies like Fitbit and Samsung, which offer similar features on their own smartwatches, are likely to capitalize on Apple's misstep, further eroding the company's market share. Researchers at institutions like Stanford University and MIT are also likely to study the impact of the change, publishing papers and offering insights that could shape the future of wearable technology.

The removal of the multitasking feature also has broader implications for the tech industry's focus on user experience. Apple's design philosophy, as outlined by Jony Ive, emphasizes minimalism and ease of use, but critics argue that this approach can be limiting and inflexible. The tech industry is moving towards a more human-centered approach, with a focus on user needs and preferences. Apple's watchOS 27 update may be seen as a setback for this approach, but it also presents an opportunity for the company to re-evaluate its strategy and prioritize user experience.

The removal of the multitasking feature on the Apple Watch is part of a larger trend in the tech industry towards simplification and minimalism. This approach has been popularized by companies like Apple and Google, which have emphasized ease of use and user experience in their product designs. However, critics argue that this approach can be limiting and inflexible, and that it fails to account for the needs and preferences of users. The tech industry is moving towards a more human-centered approach, with a focus on user needs and preferences. This shift is driven by the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), which is creating new opportunities for device manufacturers to connect with users and provide value-added services.