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Your existing AirPods could gain a new live translation feature in iOS 19

Apple is reportedly working on a new live translation feature for AirPods.


Apple's iconic AirPods are rumored to receive an entirely new feature that translates in-person conversations from one language to another.

The rumored live translation capability will make it significantly easier for speakers of two different languages to communicate. The feature is expected to roll out in 2025 alongside the iOS 19 and macOS 16 updates. Beyond that, both operating systems are said to feature major design changes.

If an English speaker with AirPods is listening to a person speaking in another language, such as Spanish, the iPhone will detect the audio of the Spanish speaker and translate it into English. The English translation will then be played via the AirPods.

The English speaker's response is said to be translated and played in Spanish via the iPhone speakers. The process allegedly utilizes the Translate app and is tied to the iOS 19 update, according to a Bloomberg report.

Samsung already has a similar Live Translate feature, which is available with OneUI version 6.1 or later. Google's Pixel Buds offer virtually the same functionality through a dedicated Conversation Mode.

If you're looking for new hardware, Apple is also said to be working on a new generation of AirPods Pro, as well as an AirPods model with built-in cameras. The latter will reportedly be able to analyze the surrounding environment with the help of artificial intelligence.

12 Comments

king editor the grate 16 Years · 669 comments

Why would it be translated through iPhone speaker rather than AirPods?

0 Likes · 1 Dislike
gavinthain 15 Years · 15 comments

Project Babelfish

2 Likes · 0 Dislikes
Yucam 1 Year · 24 comments

Sure thing...

0 Likes · 1 Dislike
roccodelgreco 12 Years · 24 comments

Why would it be translated through iPhone speaker rather than AirPods?

So the person without AirPods will hear your reply in English played back in their language. 

2 Likes · 0 Dislikes
Marvin 19 Years · 15397 comments

Why would it be translated through iPhone speaker rather than AirPods?

So that the other person can hear it e.g Spanish person speaks to English person who has Airpods. Spanish to English audio is on the AirPods so the English person can hear it, the reply English to Spanish is on the iPhone speakers so the Spanish person can hear it.

2 Likes · 0 Dislikes