### Grasping the New Clock Icon Functionality in iOS 26.1 and Apple Watch Series 10
In the recent update of iOS 26.1, Apple has made a subtle but important adjustment to the Clock app icon’s seconds hand operation when the device is set to low power mode. Rather than moving continuously, the seconds hand now ticks every second, mimicking the action of a quartz clock. This modification signifies Apple’s continuous commitment to enhancing battery longevity while preserving functionality.
#### Analog Watch Faces and Their Motion
Following the launch of the Apple Watch Series 10, a comparable behavior has been implemented for analog watch faces. When in active mode, the seconds hand glides smoothly, but in always-on mode, it ticks akin to a quartz timepiece. This dual motion may be unsettling for users who favor the predictability of a ticking seconds hand.
The Apple Watch Series 10, Series 11, and Ultra 3 variants come with displays that refresh once per second, enabling this new feature. However, the shift between the two modes—automatic and quartz-like—might seem unnatural for certain users.
#### A Solution for Quartz-Like Movement
For those who favor the ticking seconds hand, a workaround exists to make this feature more consistently available. By going into the Settings app, users can turn off the “Wake on Wrist Raise” option located in the Display & Brightness section. This modification causes the watch to stay in always-on mode, showcasing the ticking seconds hand.
Nevertheless, this mode has its drawbacks. The watch face will significantly dim, and users will lose one-handed gestures, such as double-tapping to navigate through widgets or engage with notifications. Despite these constraints, this mode can deliver a more classic watch experience, reminiscent of a quartz analog timepiece.
#### Engaging with the Watch in Always-On Mode
Even in this subdued condition, users can still engage with their Apple Watch. The display can be activated with a tap, button press, or by rotating the Digital Crown. Notifications can be reached by swiping down, widgets by swiping up, and complications can still be pressed to open apps without waking the watch.
It is crucial to highlight that this workaround is exclusively applicable to the Apple Watch Series 10, Series 11, and Ultra 3. For older models lacking an always-on display, turning off the wake feature simply keeps the screen inactive.
#### Conclusion
This “just a watch” mode provides a distinctive experience for Apple Watch users who value the aesthetic and practical attributes of a quartz watch. While it might not be appropriate for full-time use due to its constraints, it presents an interesting option for those wishing to personalize their watch experience. Users can conveniently return to the default settings by reactivating the “Wake on Wrist Raise” option whenever they choose.
