Level 1 (4 points)

Apple Watch SE2 dictation not recognizing Russian speech

Hello!I’m using an Apple Watch SE2 (watchOS version 26.6 (23U67)) connected to an iPhone 12 Pro MAX (iOS 27.0.1). Until recently, I used translation apps, and everything worked great — the Apple Watch recognized Russian speech when I dictated, and the app provided a translation in English. Recently, I noticed that the app stopped responding to Russian speech; it only recognizes it when I speak in English. Restarting the devices (phone and watch) didn’t help.The same situation applies to the apps — notes and messages; it only recognizes English speech. The region on the phone and watch is set to Russia, and the primary language is set to Russian. Dictation is enabled in the settings, and Siri is also enabled. All microphone permissions are enabled, including in the apps. Please help resolve the situation.

[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Oct 20, 2026 1:04 AM

3 replies

Branta_uk

Level 7 (33,350 points)

Oct 20, 2026 9:57 AM in response to MaksimKrivoruchko

Noted, probably not version related. I suggest check both devices still understand Russian when used standalone - maybe test using simple verbal commands to Siri and check the response on the device screen. If that works OK I suggest unpairing the watch then re-pair and load the relevant apps again.

Branta_uk

Level 7 (33,350 points)

Oct 20, 2026 7:44 AM in response to MaksimKrivoruchko

Only a guess, but the version mismatch between your Apple Watch and iPhone is a likely suspect. Unfortunately AW SE2 can’t upgrade to WatchOS 27.

MaksimKrivoruchko Author

Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 20, 2026 8:54 AM in response to Branta_uk

The problem arose before the OS update; I updated it afterward, while trying to resolve the issue. I thought the update would solve the problem, but unfortunately, it didn’t. I hope a solution will be found in the future.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256379415