watchOS 27.2 code points to a screenshot preview screen for the Apple Watch, similar to how screenshots work on the iPhone. The feature is hidden behind a disabled flag, so it may not appear until a later watchOS 27.2 beta, if at all.
Code explorer pdfu found the references and posted them on X. The preview screen would let a person share or delete a screenshot right after taking it.
Apple Watch Screenshots Currently Skip Straight to Photos
Taking a screenshot on the Apple Watch today sends it directly to the iPhone’s Photos app with no confirmation screen. The gesture is pressing the Digital Crown and side button at the same time.
On the iPhone, a screenshot shows a full-screen or thumbnail preview depending on settings, and either one lets a person save, share or delete it within a couple of taps. The code found in watchOS 27.2 points to the same kind of control coming to the watch.
A new screenshot experience is coming to Apple Watch, inspired by iPhone.
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
— pdfu (@itspdfu) September 24, 2026
Screenshots Are Off by Default on Apple Watch
Screenshots are disabled by default and can be turned on through the Settings app on the watch or the Apple Watch app on iPhone. Adding a save-or-delete step would give more control than the current on-or-off toggle.
This seems like a niche feature to have on Apple Watch. Most of the screenshots I take on the watch are accidental though so I might not be in the right audience for this.
The feature sits behind a flag that is not currently enabled, and it could be turned on in a future watchOS 27.2 beta. watchOS 27.2 is already in beta testing and has brought back the app switcher with a new gesture. Anyone updating to the current watchOS 27 release can start with our list of 20 things to try.
