Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 6 hrs ago
Apple begins beta testing watch features that listen and summarize
Apple has begun testing two AI listening features on the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4.
Live Rewind can show a transcript of the previous 15 seconds when the wearer double-presses the Digital Crown.
Siri Recap summarizes conversations into notes, such as key dates, prices and action items.
The features are in developer beta with iOS 27.3 and watchOS 27.3, and both must be turned on by the user.
Apple says the tools do not store audio recordings, while Live Rewind signals its use with a chime and screen animation.
Recaps can be saved, but otherwise are deleted within seven days; unsaved Live Rewind text disappears after about 30 seconds.
Privacy concerns remain because nearby people may be recorded or summarized without choosing to take part, and the features are not currently available in the European Union.
A public rollout is planned for December, according to one source.
Apple has begun beta testing two Apple Watch features that can transcribe recent speech and summarize conversations.
Live Rewind displays a transcript of the previous 15 seconds when the wearer activates it.
Siri Recap creates summaries of conversations, including details such as dates, deadlines and prices.
Both features are opt-in and are available in developer beta for Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 users with compatible software.
The features have raised privacy concerns because they process nearby conversations, while Apple says they include safeguards and do not store audio recordings.
- Who
- Apple is testing the features for Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 users.
- What
- The beta includes Live Rewind, which transcribes the previous 15 seconds, and Siri Recap, which summarizes conversations.
- When
- The developer beta began rolling out on November 3, 2026. A public rollout is expected in December.
- Where
- The features are for compatible Apple Watches paired with an iPhone. They are currently unavailable in the European Union.
- Why
- Live Rewind is intended to help users recall recent speech, while Siri Recap summarizes key points from conversations.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Apple unveiled Siri Recap and Live Rewind alongside its new watches.
Apple began rolling out the developer beta that includes the features.
A full public rollout is scheduled, according to Gizmodo.
- Features
- Live Rewind and Siri Recap
- Transcript length
- 15 seconds
- Compatible watches
- Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4
- Beta software
- iOS 27.3 and watchOS 27.3
- Automatic deletion
- Unsaved Live Rewind snippets disappear after 30 seconds; unsaved Siri Recaps are deleted after seven days.
10 sources
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Apple is working constructively with the EU in an attempt to find a path forward