Apple could incorporate real-time translation to AirPods with the iOS 19 update.
It is reported that Apple is developing a new feature for the iOS 19 update, which will allow AirPods to perform real-time language translations.
Recently, Apple has turned its attention to transforming the AirPods, focusing more on their wellness aspect than simply on their functionality as wireless earbuds. At the end of last year, the AirPods Pro 2 incorporated a Loud Sound Reduction feature, along with a hearing test system and hearing assistance. Now, it is reported that the company is considering a conversational enhancement for these devices.
According to reports, Apple plans to implement a real-time translation feature for the AirPods in the coming months. The goal is to eliminate language barriers in face-to-face conversations. This feature is currently under active development and could be launched through a software update, possibly linked to the iOS 19 package. It will implement a bidirectional translation system where both the AirPods and the iPhone play equivalent roles.
The iPhone will act as the translation hub. It will convert language A into language B, sending the translated audio to the person using Apple’s AirPods. At the same time, language B will be translated into language A, and the translated audio will be played through the iPhone’s speaker for the other person. However, it has not yet been clarified which translation engine Apple will use, whether it will be an AI-assisted approach, or how many languages the system will support. Despite its significance, Apple will not be the pioneer of this feature, as Google already offers this convenience in its Pixel wireless earbuds.
The Pixel Buds have utilized Google Translate technology to enable translations in almost four dozen languages, giving users the option of a Live Conversation Mode for direct talks or a Transcription Mode. In addition to Google, other brands have also joined the trend of "translation earbuds." The Earfun AirPro 4+, introduced early this year, offers AI-powered real-time translation. On the other hand, products like the Mymanu Click and Mars have provided this functionality since 2017, filling a niche in the market that includes products like Timekettle X1, aimed at business customers.
Additionally, chatbots like Google’s Gemini also offer translation capabilities. As for Apple, the company can take different paths. It already has a partnership with OpenAI, allowing ChatGPT to assist when Siri encounters limitations. Neural machine translation has advanced considerably, and there are multiple open-source models available. Meta, for example, publicly released its AI-assisted translation tool in 2022, which supports nearly 200 languages. Given Apple’s focus on privacy, it will likely opt for a trusted partner or develop its own technology to perform on-device translations, which is more secure and faster than a cloud-dependent solution.