Apple is adding Audio Intelligence features to the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. The Apple Watch Audio Intelligence package uses the built-in microphone, the S11 chip and Apple Intelligence to help users review conversations and identify important sounds.

Siri Recap can create high-level notes from a conversation. Apple says it can produce a title, a summary and key points that users can review in the Siri app. The feature is opt-in, and Apple says users can choose when it listens or turn it off completely.

Live Rewind is designed for moments when someone misses part of a conversation. A double press of the Digital Crown can show a transcript of the previous 15 seconds. Apple says the user can ask Siri about that transcript or save it for later review.

Sound Recognition expands accessibility features on the watch. It can listen for sirens, alarms, doorbells and a crying baby, then send an alert even when the iPhone is not nearby. Apple says this feature is intended to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Shazam is also part of the package. The watch can identify nearby music and show the track title and artist in the Music Recognition widget inside the Smart Stack. Apple describes the function as automatic rather than requiring a separate tap.

Privacy is a central limit in Apple’s description. The company says the features do not create or store audio recordings. Raw audio is processed in a Secure Enclave and deleted after processing, while transcripts and recaps use encrypted iCloud syncing.

MacRumors reports that Live Rewind and Siri Recap will arrive in beta later in 2026. They will start in English and will not initially be available in the European Union. They also require an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone 16 or later, excluding the iPhone 16e.

Apple’s official product page lists the Series 12 as available from September 18. The new audio tools are therefore a later software addition, not a feature buyers can use on launch day. Users will also need supported language, hardware and software settings.