watchOS 27, released September 14, removes the Digital Crown double-click app-switching feature for all Apple Watch models and reserves it exclusively for the new Live Rewind audio transcript feature on Series 12 and Ultra 4. Older model owners lose functionality without gaining the new feature, and Apple offers no option to customize the button assignment or disable Live Rewind.
Apple released watchOS 27 with enhanced Siri AI capabilities, a new Siri Modular watch face, Smart Stack improvements including single-handed gesture controls, and various system enhancements. The update is compatible with Apple Watch Series 9 and later and requires an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone for full Siri AI functionality.
Apple is introducing Live Rewind on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, a feature that transcribes the last 15 seconds of audio when activated via Digital Crown press. The company has implemented safeguards including an audible chime, visual indicators, and on-device processing in a Secure Exclave to prevent secret activation and address privacy concerns.