Apple Watch Introduces Innovative Live Rewind Feature for Conversations
By Editor • September 9, 2026 • 2 min read
Apple has unveiled a remarkable new feature for its latest smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 12, which allows users to rewind time—at least in a conversational sense. Dubbed Live Rewind, this feature enables users to capture and transcribe the last 15 seconds of any spoken dialogue, making it easier to recall missed information without awkwardly asking someone to repeat themselves.
The Live Rewind functionality is powered by Apple's advanced S11 chip, which enhances the device's audio capabilities. By simply pressing the digital crown twice, users can access a text transcript of their recent conversation, effectively providing 'subtitles' for real-life interactions. This feature is part of Apple's broader Audio Intelligence suite, designed to make conversations more accessible and convenient.
Privacy-First Design
Apple emphasizes privacy with this feature. The audio is processed in a secure compartment known as the Secure Exclave, ensuring that once the transcript is generated, the raw audio is discarded and not stored anywhere. This means that there's no risk of recording being accessed later, making the feature feel less intrusive and more user-friendly.
Enhanced Features for Daily Life
In addition to Live Rewind, Apple is introducing Siri Recap, which compiles entire conversations into a summary with key points and highlights. Users can activate this feature before important discussions, such as meetings or conferences, and review the summaries later in the Siri app. The summaries are designed to delete automatically after seven days unless saved, providing users with control over their data.
Further enhancing its utility, the Apple Watch now includes Sound Recognition, which alerts users to important sounds like alarms or crying babies, proving beneficial for those with hearing difficulties. Additionally, the integration of Shazam allows users to identify songs playing nearby without needing to reach for their phones.
Apple Watch Series 12 is set to be available for preorder at a starting price of $399, with shipping scheduled for September 18. However, users will need to pair it with an iPhone 16 or newer to utilize these advanced features, as Siri AI remains in beta and will roll out gradually.
Source: www.yankodesign.com
