Anyone taking a screenshot on the Apple Watch currently only sees a brief flash – the image is automatically saved to the photo library. The beta version of watchOS 27.2 includes a redesign based on the iPhone's functionality. It is not yet live.
The change was discovered by leaker pdfu, who has repeatedly published details from Apple's code in recent weeks. In a post on X, he shows that watchOS 27.2 includes a new interface for screenshots, hidden behind a so-called feature flag. This means it cannot be easily accessed in the beta version.
The second beta had already brought back the app switcher to the Apple Watch. The new screenshot function would be another small change to the user interface.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The code for watchOS 27.2 includes a new interface for screenshots on the Apple Watch.
- After taking the picture, it should be possible to view, share or delete it directly – just like on the iPhone and iPad.
- The feature is hidden behind a feature flag in the beta version and is not active.
What's in the code
According to the findings, a preview will appear on the watch after a screenshot is taken. From there, the image can be immediately shared or deleted, instead of being saved to the media library without confirmation. This corresponds to the process that iPhones and iPads have used for years.
A new screenshot experience is coming to Apple Watch, inspired by iPhone.
— pdfu (@itspdfu) September 24, 2026
Hidden behind a feature flag in watchOS 27.2, it lets you preview, share, or delete a screenshot right after taking it. pic.twitter.com/MT5wmDjRnq
A feature flag is a setting in the code that allows Apple to ship features but not yet release them. The fact that the interface is in beta confirms that Apple is working on it.
This is how screenshots have worked so far
Currently, a screenshot is taken by pressing the Digital Crown and the side button simultaneously. The display flashes briefly, and the image then appears in the Photos app of the paired iPhone. This requires the feature to be enabled – the guide to taking screenshots on the Apple Watch explains how.
An end to random photos
The greatest benefit of the preview lies less in intentional photos than in unintentional ones. The crown and side button are close together, and anyone who presses the watch against both while exercising or bending their wrist can easily trigger a screenshot. Until now, this has only become apparent when photos of the watch face have accumulated in the photo library.
A preview would allow you to dismiss such a randomly generated photo directly on the watch. Until then, the only solution is to occasionally clean up your media library – or leave the function switched off when you don't need it.
Do you regularly take screenshots on your Apple Watch – or do you mainly end up with accidental snapshots in your photo library? Tell us in the comments how you handle it.
