AirPods may soon get real-time conversation translations

New features build on existing live translation features for FaceTime, Messages, and Phone

Life

A recent discovery in the iOS 26 beta suggests that Apple’s latest AirPods could offer a new live translation capability, right in real-world conversations.

Apple initially unveiled its live translation feature at WWDC25, showcasing uses in FaceTime calls, phone calls, and text messages. However, real-time translation for face-to-face interactions was conspicuously absent from the first announcement. New evidence suggests the feature may be in development.

In iOS 26 developer beta 6, a system image appeared describing a unique gesture that requires pressing both AirPods simultaneously. The image, tied to the Translate app and displaying text in multiple languages (English, Portuguese, French, and German), appears to be specific to AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods (4th generation).

Although Apple did not explicitly mention live translation for AirPods at WWDC25, earlier reports from Bloomberg have hinted at its development. The feature dovetails with the live translation capabilities already announced for FaceTime, Messages, and Phone, and strengthens the role of wearables in facilitating communication. Similar implementations can be seen in devices like the Meta Ray-Bans.

While it’s not yet clear which iPhones will support this new gesture, it’s unlikely the AirPods will handle the entire translation process on their own. The iPhone’s processing power will likely play a crucial role. It’s reasonable to assume that Apple’s hardware requirements for other Live Translation features will dictate compatibility.

Business AM

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