Apple on Monday released the first beta of watchOS 3.2 for developer testing, and it includes a new Theater Mode for the Apple Watch. Theater Mode allows users to quickly mute the sound on their Watch, plus turn off the screen waking feature when they raise their wrist. Here’s how to turn it on.
How to Enable Theater Mode in watchOS 3.2
To enable Theater Mode on an Apple Watch running watchOS 3.2, simply swipe up on the device’s screen to open Control Center. The new Theater Mode toggle icon can be seen in the Control Center. (It looks like the familiar “comedy/tragedy” theater masks.)
Tap the new icon to enable Theater Mode, as seen in the screenshot above (which you can enlarge by clicking on the image). You’ll see a notice explaining what the new mode does. Tap the “Theater Mode” button to enable it, or tap Cancel to return to the previous screen. The icon will turn orange, indicating Theater Mode is enabled.
When Theater Mode is enabled, you’ll see an orange icon appear at the top of your screen, much like you see the “Do Not Disturb” icon when that feature is enabled.
In Two Steps:
- Swipe up on the Apple Watch main screen to bring up Control Center
- Tap the Theater Mode icon (which is the icon with a pair of theater masks) to turn orange color. This option appears right below the option to silence the Apple Watch.
How to Disable Theater Mode in watchOS 3.2
To disable Theater Mode on an Apple Watch running watchOS 3.2, simply swipe up again on the device’s screen to open Control Center. Tap the Theater Mode toggle icon. The icon will go dim, indicating Theater Mode has been disabled.
When Theater mode is enabled, users will still receive notifications, via Haptic Feedback. Notifications can still be viewed by tapping on the screen or by pressing the Apple Watch Digital Crown.
In Two Steps:
- Swipe up on the Apple Watch main screen to bring up Control Center
- Tap the Theater Mode icon (which is the icon with a pair of theater masks) so the color changes from orange to dim. This option appears right below the option to silence the Apple Watch.
