Apple AirPods may get live translation support with iOS 19 update

Apple is set to introduce a live translation feature for its AirPods, enhancing the capabilities of its popular wireless earbuds. As reported by Bloomberg, this new functionality will be part of the upcoming iOS 19 software update, expected to be showcased at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025.
The live translation feature will allow AirPods users to translate in-person conversations from one language to another in real-time. By leveraging the Translator app on paired iPhones, the AirPods will provide a seamless translation experience.
For instance, if an English speaker with AirPods is conversing with someone who speaks Spanish, the iPhone will detect the audio, translate the speech, and relay it back in English to the person wearing AirPods. The English speaker's response will then be translated into Spanish and played aloud by the iPhone for the other person.
This new feature positions Apple to compete with similar interpreter modes already available on Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro. The live translation capability is expected to enhance the user experience, making AirPods even more versatile and valuable for global travelers and multilingual users.
The live translation feature is part of a broader software overhaul planned for iOS 19, which will also include updates to the Translate app. Apple is working on improving the app to support this new functionality, ensuring a cohesive and efficient user experience. Additionally, Apple is reportedly developing third-generation AirPods Pro and a separate model with built-in cameras and on-device AI to analyse the user's surroundings.