watchOS 26 Adds Wrist Flick Gesture to Quickly Dismiss Notifications

Notifications are helpful, but they can also be a constant interruption—especially when you’re in the middle of something. That’s why in watchOS 26, Apple introduced a clever new gesture called “Wrist Flick.” It lets you quickly dismiss notifications or calls without touching the screen, perfect for those moments when your hands are busy.

What is Wrist Flick on Apple Watch?

Wrist Flick is a new one-handed gesture available on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2. It uses the watch’s motion sensors and machine learning to detect a specific movement: you raise your wrist like you’re checking the watch, then flip it away and back toward your face. That simple action tells the Apple Watch to dismiss the notification. 

It feels natural—almost like brushing off a distraction. And that’s really what it’s for.

What Can You Do With Wrist Flick?

Once enabled, Wrist Flick lets you:

• Dismiss incoming notifications—like messages, reminders, or weather alerts
• Mute incoming phone calls
• Silence timers and alarms
• Instantly return to the watch face
• Even dismiss Siri if it was accidentally triggered

There’s no need to tap or swipe. Wrist Flick doesn’t delete the notification or end the call—it simply silences or dismisses it. You can always go back to check it later, so you won’t miss anything important. That means you don’t have to worry about using the gesture—you’re just clearing the screen, not losing anything. 

How Wrist Flick Compares to Other Apple Watch Gestures

This gesture builds on Apple’s earlier “Double Tap” feature, which lets you accept calls, control media, and scroll through lists with a finger tap. It also complements the long-existing “Cover to Mute” option, where covering the watch with your palm silences incoming alerts. Together, these gestures are helping turn the Apple Watch into a truly one-handed, more accessible device.

Compatible Apple Watch Models

Here’s the catch: Wrist Flick only works on newer models that have the hardware and sensors to support it. Specifically:

• Apple Watch Series 9
• Apple Watch Series 10
• Apple Watch Ultra 2

Older models, including the original Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8, don’t get this feature. This has sparked some criticism, as it seems the feature could also work on older devices. Still, Apple’s keeping it exclusive to push its latest hardware.

How to Use Wrist Flick on Apple Watch

Wrist Flick is enabled by default on compatible models. However, if you ever want to turn it off or back on, you can do that easily in Settings.

1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
2. Go to Gestures.
3. Toggle Wrist Flick on or off.
   
   

When it’s enabled, raise your wrist when a notification appears, flick your wrist forward, then back toward your face. The notification will be dismissed. It might take a few tries to get it right, but once it clicks, it feels natural—almost like swiping away a bug. And remember, you’re not losing the notification, just temporarily clearing it from view.

Here’s a quick video on how to use it:

More Features in watchOS 26

Wrist Flick is part of a broader update in watchOS 26 that introduces several smart features aimed at convenience, productivity, and accessibility. Here’s a quick look:

• Workout Buddy: A new AI-powered fitness coach that gives real-time pep talks and progress updates during workouts based on your fitness data.
• Liquid Glass design: A new UI across apps, widgets, and notifications that feels more dynamic, with content that reflects and refracts in real time.
• Smarter Smart Stack: Now uses contextual data and routines to suggest helpful widgets, like prompting a workout when you arrive at your regular gym.
• Live Translation in Messages: Automatically translates incoming texts and your replies, available on newer models paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone.
• Redesigned Workout app: A new layout with corner buttons for quick access to workout customization and music controls.
• Notification Volume Adjustments: The Apple Watch can now automatically adjust volume based on ambient noise around you.
• Notes App on Watch: View, pin, and create notes right from your wrist.
• Hold Assist and Call Screening: This feature allows you to manage calls more easily, including identifying unknown callers and receiving alerts when a live person answers the line.
• Live Listen and Captions: For users who are deaf or hard of hearing, audio from your iPhone can now be transcribed on your watch in real-time.

A Small Gesture That Makes a Big Difference

Wrist Flick isn’t a flashy feature, but it’s one of those small quality-of-life updates that can make using your Apple Watch feel smoother and smarter. It’s not about doing more, but doing less—with less effort. If you own one of the latest Apple Watch models, this feature is worth trying. You might be surprised how often you use it.