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Apple Watch’s AI features for rewinding and recapping conversations begin beta testing
Devices2 min read
Apple is starting beta testing of new AI features for the Apple Watch. The features can replay recent speech, summarize conversations, and recognize sounds and songs.
What happened
Apple's AI tools for the Apple Watch, called Audio Intelligence, are now being tested in beta. Beta means an early test version. At first, developers can try it in the iOS 27.3 update. Apple first announced the tools at its September hardware event. The package has four opt-in features, which means users must choose to turn them on. Two of them listen to people talking: Live Rewind and Siri Recaps.
Key facts
- There are four opt-in features in Audio Intelligence.
- Live Rewind shows text of what was said in the last 15 seconds.
- Live Rewind snippets are deleted automatically after 30 seconds if you do not save them.
- Siri Recaps does not identify speakers, save raw audio, or make word-for-word transcripts.
- Siri Recaps does not record when you listen to music with headphones or use noise cancellation.
How the features work
Live Rewind lets you look back at what someone just said. You double-press the digital crown, which is the dial on the side of the watch. A chime and an animation show that something was recorded. You can save the text to the Siri app, or tap Ask Siri to get an explanation of a word or term. Siri Recaps works differently. It writes a short summary and bullet points about key dates, deadlines, prices, and facts. At the end of the day, you pick which recaps to keep. You can save them to Notes or export them to Journal.
Why it matters
Many people are worried about AI devices that record others, such as Meta's AI glasses. Apple is trying to make useful tools while still respecting the privacy of people nearby. It limits what is kept, removes snippets quickly, and makes the recording visible with a sound and a screen animation. How well these promises work in real life will show whether people accept AI wearables that listen.
What to watch
- Whether the features move from developer beta to public release.
- How clearly Apple shows when the watch is recording.
- How people react to privacy concerns about devices that listen to conversations.
Glossary
- Audio Intelligence
- Apple's name for its AI features on the Apple Watch that deal with sound and speech.
- Live Rewind
- A feature that shows text of what someone said in the last 15 seconds so you can catch up.
- Siri Recaps
- A feature that makes short summaries and key-point bullets from a conversation.
- digital crown
- The turning dial on the side of an Apple Watch, which you can also press.
- beta
- An early test version of software that users try before the final release.