Apple May Add Live Translation to AirPods This Year: Forget Google Translate

Apple is set to potentially outdo Google Translate by incorporating real-time translation features into its AirPods this year, a move that could transform cross-language communication.

Real-Time Translation: Crossing Language Barriers with Apple

Ever dreamed of reading a Japanese novel in its original language? That’s my personal quest as a huge nerd culture enthusiast. However, Apple seems set to prove that learning a new language might not be necessary to communicate overseas.

A New Feature for AirPods

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to integrate live translation features into AirPods models starting this year. This could eliminate the need to pull out your phone to translate conversations.

Apple Chasing Google

Google’s Pixel Buds have offered this feature for a while. Simply tap the earbuds, which listen to your interlocutor and relay their words to you. For a full two-way conversation, your counterpart would also need a pair of earbuds with the same capability. This seems particularly useful in restaurants and stores.

Gurman adds that “the capability will be available as part of a software update for the AirPods scheduled later this year.” We should get a clearer picture of how this feature will work on AirPods then. While no specific models were mentioned, it’s expected that the feature will be available on the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max, which are currently the premium models in the market.

A Valuable Tool, But Not a Magic Solution

Yet, I’m not convinced this feature will stop me from continuing to learn Japanese. Indeed, I suspect that forming friendships abroad might not be as enjoyable while juggling AirPods.