2 min read
Apple is set to roll out its Live Translation feature for AirPods across the European Union next month. The update follows a brief delay caused by compliance requirements under the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Originally introduced in September alongside the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods 4 with ANC, and the AirPods Pro 2, Live Translation enables real-time conversation translation directly through AirPods. The feature works when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later.
At launch, the feature supported English (UK and US), French, German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish, but it wasn’t available in the EU. Apple now confirms that the feature will reach EU users in December, expanding the list of supported languages to include Italian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional Mandarin), Japanese, and Korean.
Apple explained that the delay was due to “additional engineering work needed to comply with the DMA’s requirements.” With that resolved, Live Translation will deliver real-time, on-device translations while maintaining user privacy.
The system processes data locally on the iPhone, ensuring conversations remain private. When two users speak different languages using compatible AirPods, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) helps reduce background speech, making it easier to focus on the translation.
If one person doesn’t have AirPods, users can view live transcriptions of the conversation directly on their iPhone screens. The feature also integrates with Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, allowing seamless translation whether users are chatting, calling, or texting.
