AirPods could soon get Live Translation, iOS 26 beta code suggests
Apple's iconic AirPods may gain the Live Translation feature, as iOS 26 beta code already contains a gesture related to the functionality.
-xl-(1)-xl-xl-xl-(1)-xl.jpg)
AirPods could soon gain Apple's Live Translation feature.
as far back as March 2025 have suggested AirPods would be able to translate in-person conversations from one language to another. While the iPhone maker announced Live Translation back in June, during WWDC 2025, the feature is still nowhere to be found on AirPods.
Currently, Live Translation works in calls and Messages with Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhones, but the company's AirPods still can't translate real-world conversations. Apple has never announced that the feature would be available with any AirPods model.
That could soon change, however, as a newly discovered gesture suggests Apple is working on introducing the feature to the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. According to 9to5Mac , iOS 26 beta 6 contains a new system asset, one that features a gesture activated by pressing both AirPod stems simultaneously.
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 have received new features via software updates in the past, so it makes sense for Apple to go this route with its Live Translation feature. The AirPods Pro 2 previously gained Hearing Health features, which offer hearing aid and hearing test functionality approved by the FDA.
If Apple ultimately decides to implement Live Translation for AirPods, it'll more than likely only be available with devices that already support the feature. This means you'll probably need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPad, or a Mac with an M1 or newer Apple Silicon chip.
Currently, the Live Translation feature can immediately translate text into other languages as you type out a message in iMessage. As texts in other languages come in, the Apple Intelligence feature can instantly translate them for you.
Live Translation doesn't work with AirPods at the time of writing, though. Apple's Translate app has a conversation feature, but it's more clunky than a direct translation feature in AirPods.
When Live Translation was unveiled, Apple said that the new feature works seamlessly across its first-party apps, even if the person you're talking to isn't using an iPhone. The company also previously announced a Call Translation API for developers to use in third-party apps.
Samsung already has its own 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, yet Apple's AirPods still lack Live Translation support.
Whether or not Apple will announce the debut of Live Translation on AirPods remains to be seen. The company has scrapped and renamed various projects over the years, so there's always a chance it won't be released at all.
Read on AppleInsider