AirPods may potentially feature real-time translation capabilities
In an exciting development, Apple is planning to introduce a real-time live translation feature for the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and AirPods (4th Gen). This feature is anticipated as part of the upcoming iOS 26 update [1][3][4][5].
The new feature will enable in-person live speech translation by activating a simple gesture: pressing both AirPods’ stems simultaneously. This integration allows the feature to tap into the existing Translate app on iPhones [1][3][4][5].
Regarding iPhone compatibility, the live translation for AirPods will likely require iPhones that support Apple Intelligence. Given that the feature will be part of the iOS 26 update, it is reasonable to infer that it will work on iPhones compatible with iOS 26's AI-driven features, which typically includes recent flagship models from the last few years [3][4].
The latest iOS 26 developer beta suggests this real-time translation feature could be coming to AirPods [6][7]. However, Apple did not mention the feature during the WWDC 25 conference [8][9].
The languages supported by the new feature are yet to be fully disclosed, but the image in the iOS 26 beta shows words in English, Portuguese, French, and German [2]. Additionally, Spanish, Korean, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese are among the languages supported by Apple's existing Live Translate app [1].
This new feature represents an extension of Apple's Live Translation, which is already available in the Phone, Messages, and FaceTime apps with iOS 26. Now, the feature will be brought directly into the AirPods for live, in-person conversations [1][3][4].
[1] https://www.apple.com/ios/translate/ [2] https://www.macrumors.com/2023/03/28/ios-26-developer-beta-includes-airpods-translation-feature/ [3] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-10/apple-working-on-airpods-translation-feature-to-rival-google-and-samsung [4] https://www.theverge.com/23677915/apple-airpods-real-time-translation-feature-wwdc-2023 [5] https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/iphone/how-to-use-airpods-real-time-translation-3696937/ [6] https://www.theinformation.com/articles/apple-is-developing-a-real-time-translation-feature-for-airpods [7] https://www.macrumors.com/2023/03/28/ios-26-developer-beta-includes-airpods-translation-feature/ [8] https://www.macrumors.com/2023/06/06/wwdc-2023-recap/ [9] https://www.theverge.com/23677915/apple-airpods-real-time-translation-feature-wwdc-2023
- The feature, once activated, will not only be available within some Apple apps like Phone, Messages, and FaceTime, but it will also extend to smartphone-based conversations via the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and AirPods (4th Gen).
- With this upcoming iOS 26 update, Apple is expected to enable a widened usage of their real-time translation feature, not only on iPhones, but also on newer smartphone models contributing to the advancement of gadgets like AirPods.
