AirPods may potentially feature live language translation capabilities.
In an exciting development, Apple is planning to introduce real-time (live) translation for its AirPods, marking a significant leap in the realm of wireless audio technology. The upcoming feature is expected to support the AirPods Pro 2nd generation and AirPods 4th generation.
The new feature, slated to debut with the iOS 26 public release in fall 2025, allows users to activate live translation by pressing the stems of both AirPods simultaneously. This functionality works seamlessly with the Translate app on iPhone.
While the exact iPhone models that will support this feature are yet to be confirmed by Apple, it is speculated that the feature may require an iPhone that supports Apple's intelligence capabilities. There is some speculation that the feature could be exclusive to newer models such as the iPhone 17, due to performance and low-latency requirements.
The real-time translation feature extends beyond the current iOS 26 capabilities in FaceTime, Messages, and Phone apps, providing a more immersive experience for in-person conversations via AirPods.
This development comes as Apple did not explicitly mention the AirPods real-time translation feature during the WWDC 25 conference. However, the iOS 26 developer beta points to a new feature that could be the long-awaited addition to Apple's AirPods lineup.
Other devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, Meta Ray-Bans, and potentially upcoming iPhones, offer similar real-world translation features. The new AirPods feature, however, is expected to run solely on the AirPods themselves, with unclear iPhone support.
The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and the AirPods (4th Gen) are linked with the new translation feature, which supports various languages, including Spanish, Korean, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese. The image accompanying this article shows words in English, Portuguese, French, and German, hinting at the global reach of the feature.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow this exciting development in the world of Apple technology.
- The real-time translation feature for the AirPods Pro 2nd generation and AirPods 4th generation, due to debut with iOS 26, will enable users to activate translation by pressing the stems of both AirPods simultaneously and work seamlessly with the Translate app on iPhone.
- Beyond the current iOS 26 capabilities in FaceTime, Messages, and Phone apps, the real-time translation feature for AirPods offers a more immersive experience for in-person conversations, extending to various languages such as Spanish, Korean, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese.
