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sussieq
User level: Level 1 (9 points)

The Dynamic App Grid unnecessarily exposes my app usage in WatchOS 27

I have a privacy concern regarding the new Dynamic App Grid in watchOS 27.


The new start screen prominently displays apps based on my recent and frequent usage. This means that when I am around other people and someone happens to glance at my Apple Watch while I am opening the app view, they can immediately see which apps I use most frequently.


I do not think my app usage should be unnecessarily visible to people around me. My Apple Watch is a personal device, and I should be able to decide what information is displayed on its screen.


Please provide an option to disable the dynamic app recommendations and use a fixed, personally arranged app grid instead.


This would not only make navigation faster and more predictable; it would also give users greater control over their privacy.

Posted on Sep 24, 2026 12:16 AM

3 replies

Ingo2711
User level: Level 10 (93,009 points)

Sep 24, 2026 12:36 AM in response to sussieq

Sorry, but Apple can not be reached by posting in these user to user communities.

But, if you use the Feedback link, you can tell Apple Techs directly about your wishes for future watchOS 27 updates

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple


Pressing the Digital Crown and turning it a bit upwards right after that could be a workaround in the meantime, to show more than the recently used apps on the display.



In previous watchOS versions you only had the option to choose between alphabetical list view and the grid view, which you could rearrange for your needs, and the more used apps tended to show up on the upper side of the grid over time.


sussieq Author
User level: Level 1 (9 points)

Sep 24, 2026 1:03 AM in response to Ingo2711

Thank you for replying. I have sent a request in the Feedback. Just wundering if other users, means the same as I do.


And regarding ‘the old’ grid view, my watch did not rearrange it self, moving most often used apps closer to the top.

Rudegar
User level: Level 10 (187,102 points)

Sep 24, 2026 2:27 AM in response to sussieq

think they view an apple watch as a private watch and privacy is not that big a concern for them, first time I've heard anybody worrying about privacy and the watch, here

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256363924