With the newest update for the Apple Watch, I can’t find the easy way to ping my iPhone. Any suggestions?

Momentarily press and release the flat oval side button

https://support.apple.com/guide/watch/control-center-apd06bc15da1/watchos

NOT the round rotating Digital Crown.

I hate the new watch iOS update version done today!!! I can no longer swipe up on the clock face and ping my IPhone. That feature was the best part of my Iwatch and now it is no longer there!! NOT HAPPY!!

The process requires a quick tap on the button, not a tap and hold.

The method to access control centre has changed, as outlined below.

Use Control Center on Apple Watch - Apple Support (CA)

You are quite welcome.