But Apple has rushed to offer reassurance. The Apple Watch Series 12, like so many current tech devices, may be constantly listening (otherwise “Hey Siri” wouldn’t be able to work), but users cannot directly access the audio of its eavesdropping secretly. The feature makes a distinct chiming sound when activated, Apple says, and this sound cannot be disabled. There’s also a screen animation. Even the physical method of activating the feature, the company claims, will help those around you to see what you’re up to.
A new support document for the Audio Intelligence watch features contains two privacy-related sections: one headed “How Audio Intelligence features protect your privacy” and another headed “How Audio Intelligence features protect the privacy of those nearby.” The latter section contains the following comment about Live Rewind:
“When [the feature is] activated, an audible chime plays from the speaker on your Apple Watch, even if your Apple Watch is on silent or you have headphones connected. A full-display animation and microphone indicator appear on the display, and a distinct double-press gesture is required to activate Live Rewind. This is to alert those nearby that the feature has been activated.”
And even with these measures in place, Apple is keen to advise customers to use the feature responsibly. “Be mindful of those around you,” the support document goes on to say. “While audio is not recorded and stored, and no speakers are attributed, consider those around you where conversations might be private or sensitive.”
On the whole this seems like a wise move. Apple is fond of portraying itself as the pro-privacy tech company, and suffered reputational damage when the AirTag became associated with stalking. There’s a deep public distrust of smart glasses because of their capacity to surveil and record without consent; audio surveillance doesn’t feel quite as intrusive, but it’s sensible to take control of the narrative and head off such accusations before they become too widespread.
