Apple releases developer beta for iOS 27.3 and watchOS 27.3
New updates introduce AI audio tools, a redesigned Health app, and localized intelligence features for China.
Apple released the first developer beta versions of iOS 27.3 and watchOS 27.3 on Tuesday, according to the Deccan Chronicle. The update includes new artificial intelligence tools, a redesigned Health app, and support for Apple Intelligence in China.
The new Audio Intelligence features, designed for Series 12 and Ultra 4 smartwatches, use microphones to track and analyse nearby conversations. These tools include Siri Recap, which creates bullet points from conversation topics, and Live Rewind, which displays text transcriptions of the previous 15 seconds of a conversation.
Apple stated that these audio tools process data on the device rather than through the internet and do not record or store the underlying audio. The company also noted that an audible alert sounds during Live Rewind and that summaries may omit sensitive information like financial data or personal identifiers.
The update provides Apple Intelligence capabilities in China following negotiations that included a content filter powered by Alibaba. These localized features include notification summaries, writing tools, and the Genmoji custom emoji maker, but they lack advanced photo editing and Siri AI.
A redesigned Health app is also included, featuring an Insights tab for monitoring heart rate and fitness metrics. The app also introduces a Longevity tab and a Health Age feature that estimates a person's age based on their health.
The beta releases are currently for developers, with a full rollout scheduled for December. Apple also released developer betas for macOS 27.3, tvOS 27.3, visionOS 27.3, and iPadOS 27.3.