Why can't I select any app I want in the switcher? Why did we get rid of the dock?

I think you can recreate the functionality you want by tweaking the Smart Stack that scrolls up when you rotate the Digital Crown. Normally the widgets it shows you are selected by WatchOS, but you can pin your favorites to the top of the stack so they'll always be there. See this article from the Apple Watch User Guide: Use the Smart Stack to show timely widgets on Apple Watch

In short, the trick is touch-and-hold a widget in the Smart Stack, then tap + to add a widget, then select your favorite widget or app, then pin it to the top of the stack.

Hope that helps!

--David

The Dock was removed to make way for Widget Stacks.

No one here can answer why you can't mark an app as a favorite in the dock anymore. Only Apple would know.

I suggest that you submit feedback to Apple:

Product Feedback - Apple

Note that iOS 17 is not yet an option for selection in the drop down menu. Just make sure it's in the text box.

ncdancer wrote:

I agree, I had my dock setup exactly how I wanted it. It seems to me they might be able to provide an option to use the dock or the widgets.

You should definitely let Apple know your thoughts on the matter:

Product Feedback - Apple

Agreed. I am angry and frustrated. My dock was set up for convenience. I don’t need the apps available to stack. And, why do we need date and time above the stacks?

I did, but I have 0 faith they’ll restore this feature. Why would they make such a blatant regression without optionally for the user to customize what either of the two buttons on the right side of Ultra do? Who’s running Product here?

kundrnik wrote:

I did, but I have 0 faith they’ll restore this feature. Why would they make such a blatant regression without optionally for the user to customize what either of the two buttons on the right side of Ultra do? Who’s running Product here?

I suspect that, for a lot of people, it's going to be hardly noticeable. I can't recall the last time I used the dock and I suspect I'm not alone. I liked "Glances" which predated the Dock in that space. I found it useful. So, wait long enough and Apple will probably change it to something else.

So did you submit feedback to Apple?

I agree, I had my dock setup exactly how I wanted it. It seems to me they might be able to provide an option to use the dock or the widgets.