According to Zhitong Finance APP, Apple (AAPL.US) released iOS 27.3 and watchOS 27.3 on Tuesday.
The first developer test release will introduce several new features to broad testing, including an always-listening AI tool, an AI platform tailored for China, and a brand-new health app.
The controversial Audio Intelligence feature is compatible with the company's Series 12 and Ultra 4 smartwatches and was launched over a month ago in September.
Launched at the monthly product event. The concept involves using AI and device microphones to track and analyze nearby conversations. The new audio tools include Siri Recap, which converts key topics from conversations into bullet points, similar to apps like Granola and Otter. The company also introduced Live
Rewind displays a transcript of the previous 15 seconds of conversation. Apple’s example use case: replaying a segment of dialogue with a restaurant server, so the user doesn’t need to ask them to repeat.
These features are currently available only in English and are still in testing. Nevertheless, this technology may challenge eavesdropping laws in certain states, particularly those requiring consent from all parties present for recording. It may also intensify broader privacy concerns: Apple has joined
Joining the ranks of tech companies like Meta Platforms (META.US), it introduces AI devices designed to integrate more deeply into daily life—from tracking activities to recording videos and conversations.
The beta version is initially available to developers; Apple typically also releases a public beta for consumers. The official rollout is scheduled for December. Another major feature of this update is support for select Apple
The Intelligence feature has been launched in China, this is an iPhone
The result of years of negotiations between the manufacturer and Chinese authorities. These features were approved after integrating a content filter with technical support provided by Alibaba Group (BABA.US). Apple also simultaneously released macOS 27.3 and tvOS.
27.3, the first beta of visionOS 27.3 and iPadOS 27.3.
The China-localized Apple Intelligence features include only those initially introduced at the end of 2024 and in 2025
Enhanced features launched earlier this year in the U.S. and other regions, such as notification summaries, the Genmoji custom emoji creator, and writing tools. It does not include more advanced capabilities like superior photo editing, improved image generation, or Siri.
AI—The upgraded voice assistant relies on Alphabet's (GOOGL.US) models, which are not accessible in China.
Another new feature in iOS 27.3 is a redesigned Health app.
App, which includes an "Insights" tab for monitoring fitness metrics such as heart rate, vital signs, and step count; the "Longevity" tab provides more detailed information on the user’s heart, hearing, activity, metabolism, and mental health; the newly introduced "Health Age"
The Age feature estimates a user's age based on their health metrics. Many of these features were previously available on competing platforms such as Whoop and Oura.
When Apple announced these AI audio features in September, it emphasized several privacy protections, including user requests for Live Rewind.
An audible alert will sound during playback. Audio processing is performed on-device rather than transmitted over the internet; Apple has also assured that the underlying audio is not recorded or stored. Additionally, the company states that these tools do not attribute comments to specific named individuals, and summaries may omit potentially sensitive content such as financial information, personal identifiers, and authentication data.