What is Digital Crown on Apple Watch

An Apple patent filed in 2018 and recently made available to the public shows that the company may be developing a replacement for the Digital Crown on the upcoming Apple Watch Series 8.

The Digital Crown is the dial on the side of Apple Watches that allows for navigation without touching the watch screen. It has been a feature on every Apple Watch series since launch. And frankly, we can't imagine life without it.

The optical sensor would replace the Digital Crown, as shown here on the right side edge. Credit: Screenshot: US Patent and Trademark Office

Instead of the Digital Crown, the patent shows blueprints for optical sensors on the side of the watch, which would allow for gesture controls rather than physical contact. Presumably, the user could swipe or make other finger gestures on the sensor instead of the screen, and that would move through navigation on the screen.

Instead of rotating the Digital Crown, users would swipe on the sensor on the right edge. Credit: Screenshot: US Patent and Trademark Office

The optical sensor appears much flatter than the existing Digital Crown, perhaps creating the flat-edge design that was rumored to appear on the Apple Watch Series 7 but didn't come to fruition. The optical sensor would also take up less space, allowing for features like a bigger battery or additional health monitoring sensors, like the rumored blood glucose reader and blood pressure monitor.

Of course, this is all only based on a patent filing; Apple files plenty of patents that never seem to see the light of day. The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to debut in September 2022, so we're still a ways away. Still, the thought of losing the Digital Crown has us shaking in our boots. Some of us still just like a physical navigation controller, OK?

The Digital Crown is Apple's answer to the crown found on mechanical watches. Historically, the crown is used to set the date and time on a wristwatch, and to wind the mainspring to keep the watch running.

Apple Watch users can press the Digital Crown to return to the Home screen, much like the home button on iPhone.

The Digital Crown can also be rotated to zoom and scroll, depending on context. This function of the Digital Crown allows the user to zoom and scroll without having to pinch, swipe or otherwise obstruct the Apple Watch display.

Aside from the device’s overall shape, the Digital Crown is the most noticeable feature of your Apple Watch. It’s the large protruding dial on the side of your device, right above the much less noticeable side button. We like it because it feels like an ode to winding up a traditional watch. However, its existence is not just for looks.

The Digital Crown is one of the most useful interaction options on your smartwatch and can be spun, pressed, or long pressed to accomplish different things. Most notably, push the Digital Crown to return to your watch face, spin it to zoom in or out on photos, or long hold it to access Siri. You may also be asked to use your Digital Crown to expel water from your device and can spin it to wake your device from sleep mode. It’s also the easiest way to snooze your Apple Watch alarm if you just need a few more Zs.

To go beyond the basics, keep reading to find out more ways to use your Digital Crown.

Five things you can do with the Digital Crown

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Open an app: With your app gallery open, zoom in by spinning your Digital Crown to open whichever app you have centered on the screen.

Reopen a previous app: Double-press the Digital Crown to return to the last app you were using.

Control volume: Open Now Playing on your device and use the Digital Crown to raise or lower the volume of any audio you are listening to. This includes music, podcasts, audiobooks, and anything else you are streaming or have saved on your device.

Skim content: You can spin the Digital Crown within most apps to scroll through content. Additionally, you can also use this same functionality to scroll through menus, including those of the watch itself.

Can I wear the Digital Crown on either side of my Apple Watch?

Yes. In addition to choosing which wrist you wear your watch on, you can also change your preferences for the Digital Crown. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and tap General. Tap Watch Orientation and choose either Digital Crown on Left Side or Digital Crown on Right Side.

How do I turn off the Digital Crown?

If you do not like the ticking sound of spinning your Digital Crown you can turn it off.  Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch and scroll down to and tap Sound & Haptics. Scroll down to Crown Haptics and slide the toggle to the left.

How do you water lock an Apple Watch?

To water lock your device, open your control panel and tap the waterdrop symbol. Then spin your Digital Crown to expel water and unlock your device.

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