Apple's Siri Recaps tested: automatic notes from conversations, with mixed impressions
Apple has introduced four audio features for Apple Watch Series 12 owners in the first developer betas of iOS 27.3 and watchOS 27.3. A TechCrunch reviewer found Siri Recaps useful after a day of use, while noting privacy concerns and areas to improve.
On Tuesday, November 4, technology company Apple began testing a new set of audio features in the first developer betas of iOS 27.3 and watchOS 27.3. They are intended for Apple Watch Series 12 wearers and include four AI-based functions: detecting important sounds, identifying songs, catching up on conversations and taking notes. After a single day with the Siri Recaps feature, a TechCrunch reviewer concludes that its value may outweigh the unease caused by AI-powered audio recording and summarization.
What the features do
Sound detection reacts to important signals such as an alarm or a doorbell, and helps deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Song identification uses Shazam technology. Neither raises notable privacy concerns.
Live Rewind and Siri Recaps draw more questions. Live Rewind shows what was said in the previous 15 seconds, while Siri Recaps summarizes audio across the day and saves the important points as notes. Apple says it processes audio and runs AI models on the device where possible, does not store raw audio files, does not identify speakers, and redacts private data such as government ID numbers or account details.
Real-world test
The reviewer tried the feature while dropping off a teenager's car for repairs and picking up a rental. Staff at both places gave a lot of verbal information about time frames, prices and policies. Later, Siri Recaps had captured the key details, including the deductible, the repair time frame and the amount of gas in the rental at the start.
Shortcomings
The same note also mixed in topics discussed later at home, such as an errand and babysitting times. The reviewer believes these belong in a separate note. Because the feature was set to run at all times, it also captured trivial items, such as a plan to watch midterm election coverage on TV. This was a reminder that everyday conversations were being heard, and the reviewer is considering switching the feature off at home in the evenings.
He also suggests swiping left to delete individual bullet points, and a setting that automatically exports saved recaps to a dedicated folder in Apple's Notes app.
Despite initial reservations, the reviewer sees value in automated note-taking in daily life.
