Apple has introduced new AI-powered audio features for the Apple Watch, including Audio Intelligence, Live Rewind, and Siri Recap. These tools allow the device to process live audio and create transcriptions or summaries of conversations.
Audio Intelligence is designed as an accessibility tool to alert users to sounds such as sirens, alarms, and doorbells using on-device AI, functioning even without a connected iPhone.
The Live Rewind feature allows users to transcribe the last 15 seconds of audio by double-pressing the digital crown. These transcripts are saved to a standalone Siri app for later review.
Siri Recap uses ambient listening to generate high-level notes, summaries, and key points from conversations. Users can schedule when the feature is active, such as during work hours, or toggle it via the Control Center.
To address privacy concerns, Apple stated that it does not store raw audio recordings and that these files are not accessible even to the company. Transcripts and recaps are protected by end-to-end encryption, and the system does not identify individual speakers.