The action button was first introduced with the original Apple Watch Ultra (review) and carried over to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (review) and has become a notable feature, especially for users who prefer more physical controls.

Available Apps and Shortcuts for the Action Button

The action button is customizable and allows users to launch apps, shortcuts, or access the emergency menu by holding the button. You can also combine the action button with the side key to quickly start a specific exercise. Some available functions include:

  • Workout
  • Stopwatch
  • Waypoint
  • Backtrack
  • Dive
  • Flashlight
  • Shortcut
  • Voice Memo
  • Translate
  • Accessibility
  • Recognize Music

While customization options were previously limited, watchOS 11 introduces new possibilities.

New Action Button Functions in watchOS 11

In watchOS 11, Apple has added a new trigger gesture for the action button. When you press and hold the button, it no longer opens the emergency SOS menu. Instead, it now displays a list of available actions. The action button now has three main functions:

  1. Single press – Launch an action or start a workout.
  2. Press and hold – Open the list of actions.
  3. Press the action button and side button together – Pause a workout (this may vary depending on the selected shortcut).

How to Use the Action Button to Open the Actions List

The new press-and-hold gesture makes the action button more versatile. Follow these steps to use it:

  1. Press and hold the action button.
  2. Use the Digital Crown or touchscreen to scroll through and highlight an action.
  3. Press the side button to select the action.
Apple Watch Ultra with a new Action Button feature
Press and hold the Action button on the Apple Watch Ultra to open actions list.
Quelle: nextpit
Apple Watch Ultra
Use the digital crown to scroll from the menu then press the Action button to launch it
Quelle: nextpit

You can repeat this gesture to launch another action, even one set with a single press.

How to Customize the Action Button for Single Press

Currently, the single-press gesture is the only one you can fully customize. Here’s how to do it:

On Your Apple Watch

  1. Unlock your Apple Watch.
  2. Go to the menu and open Settings.
  3. Tap Action Button from the menu.
  4. Choose the action you want to launch.
  5. Tap the back arrow to save your changes.

On Your iPhone

  1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Go to Settings and select Action Button.
  3. Tap which gesture you want to customize.
  4. Choose the desired action from the menu.
  5. Press the back arrow to save your changes.
Apple Watch Ultrau0027s Action button gestures menu
Select which Action button gesture you want to customize
Quelle: nextpit
Apple Watch Utlrau0027s main Action button list
Select which action to launch when pressing Action button
Quelle: nextpit
Apple Watch Ultrau0027s Action button customization
You can also customize Quick Wwitch from the settings
Quelle: nextpit
Apple Watch Ultrau0027s Quick Switch menu
You can set which actions and apps to integrate with Quick Switch
Quelle: nextpit

Note: Some shortcuts and apps may support additional actions. For example, setting workouts will add pause/resume gestures using the Action button and side button.

Have you been using the Action Button on your Watch Ultra? What function have you assigned? Share with us your smartwatch tips below.