Apple Watch Series 12: Powerful Health Tracking Raises Privacy Questions
Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12, featuring advanced health tracking powered by a new S11 chip and optical sensor, alongside a controversial Audio Intelligence feature that raises significant privacy concerns. The watch offers more precise heart rate monitoring and frequent HRV readings, plus a readiness score from 0 to 10 based on activity, sleep, and vitals. In the US, Audio Intelligence transcribes the last 15 seconds of conversations and provides summaries, though Apple claims no audio is stored or accessible. Apple states all processing occurs in an isolated Secure Enclave co-processor, with the feature launching in English beta later this year. It will not initially be available in the European Union, where the function is limited to sound recognition like alarms or baby cries.