Apple Unveils Watches That Turn Conversations Into Text
The Series 12 and Ultra 4 make Siri a tool for revisiting spoken details, while Apple says their audio features neither create nor store recordings.
By Superpower Daily Editorial Desk2 min read
Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 with watchOS 27, adding Apple Intelligence-powered Siri tools that can turn parts of everyday conversations into text on the wrist. The central change is a shift from asking Siri for an answer to using the watch to recover spoken details after the moment has passed.
The new models share Apple’s S11 chip. Apple says it improves CPU and GPU performance and Siri capabilities. The watchOS 27 update will also reach compatible existing Apple Watches when the Series 12 goes on sale, bringing the software changes beyond the new hardware.
Two ways to revisit a conversation
Live Rewind is the immediate option. Apple describes it as showing up to 15 seconds of a previous conversation as a text snippet after a double press of the Digital Crown. Users can ask Siri about that snippet or save it in the new Siri app.
Conversation tools, different time scales
Live Rewind
Apple describes Live Rewind as displaying up to 15 seconds of a prior conversation as text.
Siri Recap
Siri Recap uses ambient listening to generate a title and key points after a conversation ends.
Siri Recap takes the longer view. It uses ambient listening to generate a title and key points from a conversation after it ends. Apple also demonstrated a version that can translate and transcribe a conversation in real time, letting a wearer scroll through text after a restaurant server described menu specials.
Convenience claims meet a recording boundary
Apple says the Audio Intelligence features do not create or store audio recordings. That stated boundary is consequential because Siri Recap is designed to draw high-level notes from ambient conversation, rather than simply respond to a deliberate command.
The rest of the Watch refresh
- watchOS 27 adds a dynamic grid with five Siri-suggested apps, the Siri app, and a shortcut to the full app grid.
- A redesigned Health app adds a Longevity tab with Health Age and Readiness metrics, while background heart-rate readings are taken every five seconds.
- The Ultra 4 is rated for up to 50 hours of battery life; Series 12 battery life is unchanged.
- watchOS 27 removes Apple’s Walkie-Talkie voice-communication feature.
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