Apple is about to bring live translation feature to Airpods headphones

An exciting new update is being developed by Apple for its AirPods, which is rumored to bring live translation directly to the headphones. This means that AirPods will support users to instantly translate conversations when two people are speaking different languages in real time.

According to information from the latest iOS 26 beta, users can activate this feature by pressing both AirPods at the same time. Leaked images show the screen displaying words in English, Portuguese, French, and German. This feature is said to be supported on AirPods Pro 2nd generation and AirPods 4th generation.

It's worth noting that Apple didn't mention a live conversation translation tool at WWDC 2025, despite Bloomberg previously reporting that the company was working on similar technology. Apple currently offers Live Translation for FaceTime, Messages, and Phone, while other companies like Samsung (Galaxy S24 and later) and Meta Ray-Bans already have similar functionality. If translation on AirPods is implemented, it will likely be handled directly on the headphones instead of relying entirely on the iPhone, but it's unclear which iPhone models will be supported. It's possible that Apple will limit it to devices that are currently compatible with Live Translation.

The feature promises to help users understand what others are saying in supported languages, even if they don't speak the language. If both people have translation devices, AirPods can act as a communication bridge, allowing for a smooth conversation between two different languages. While Spanish isn't available in the preview, it's one of the languages that's already supported in the Live Translate app, along with Korean, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese. It's also been reported that Apple may limit the feature to the upcoming iPhone 17 series due to processing latency requirements.

Google has actually offered a similar translation feature with its Pixel Buds for years, but it hasn't been widely known. Apple's Translate app has also been available on iPhones since 2020. But adding live translation to AirPods would make conversations more natural and seamless. Apple has been adding new features to AirPods through iOS updates. iOS 18, for example, brought a range of hearing aids for those with hearing problems.

Along with the live translation feature, Apple is reportedly working on a major upgrade to iOS and macOS. The next iOS update, iOS 19, is rumored to be one of the biggest updates for Apple users in years. There are also reports that Apple is working on AirPods with built-in cameras. Currently, Apple is working on software bugs that are rumored to have delayed Siri updates.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 17 August 2025