Apple brings real-time translation to AirPods with iOS 19: Goodbye to language barriers

Apple is developing a new live translation feature for AirPods, according to Bloomberg, and will come with iOS 19 by the end of 2025. This feature will use the headphone microphones and the iPhone Translate app to offer real-time translations, without interruptions or manual interaction. The feature aims to improve communication between users of different languages, integrating naturally into the Apple ecosystem. With this innovation, the company enters into competition with Google and Samsung, who have already developed similar solutions in their headphones.

Live Translation: This Is How It Works on AirPods

The new functionality of live translation across AirPods will take advantage of the real-time processing of iPhone and headphone microphones to capture and translate conversations without interruptions. Unlike the current Translate app, which requires manual interaction, this update will allow users to listen Instant translations right on your AirPods, while the original audio plays through the iPhone speaker.

This advance will simplify conversations in different languages, eliminating the need to share devices or use external applications. Although Apple has not specified what languages ​​will be supported, the feature is expected to include a wide range of languages since its launch. Additionally, the functionality is planned to be available on current AirPods models through a software update, avoiding the need to purchase new hardware.

iOS 19 will enhance AirPods integration

The launch of the function of live translation will coincide with the arrival of iOS 19, the next major update to Apple's operating system. This version will not only bring real-time translation to AirPods, but will also improve the Translate app on iPhones, optimizing its performance and precision.

Apple seeks to create a more cohesive ecosystem between iPhone and AirPods, allowing a seamless transition between on-screen translation and audio. Improvements in AI and natural language processing will be key to offering faster and more accurate translations, with minimal latency.

While Apple has yet to confirm whether this feature will be exclusive to certain iPhone models or if it will require newer hardware for optimal performance, rumors suggest that Live translation could take advantage of the Neural Engine of the most advanced chips, like the A18, expected in the next generation of devices from the brand.

Google and Samsung already have their own solution

While Apple presents this feature as a novelty, Google and Samsung have been in this field longer.. Since 2020, the Google Pixel Buds They offer live translation with Google Translate, allowing for fluid conversations in different languages. Recently, Samsung has brought this functionality to the Galaxy Buds, integrating it with the Galaxy S24 and S23 models through an update released in February 2024.

The main difference between these solutions and Apple's proposal lies in the implementation of translationWhile Google and Samsung split audio between headphones and speaker to facilitate communication, Apple is looking for a seamless experience more fluid and integrated, eliminating the need for manual adjustments or additional configurations.

Apple is confident that its closed ecosystem and the optimization of hardware and software will allow it to offer a more intuitive and efficient user experience, although it will be necessary to wait for the first tests to see if it manages to surpass its competitors in translation accuracy and speed.

One step closer to barrier-free communication

The arrival of live translation to AirPods represents a significant progress in accessibility and communication between languagesWith this feature, Apple seeks to make it easier more natural interactions without the need for third-party applications, improving the user experience during travel, business meetings, and everyday conversations.

The challenge will be in the accuracy of translations, an area where Google has proven to have an advantage with its AI and machine learning infrastructure. However, the integration power of the Apple ecosystem could make this new functionality a standard within its product range.

Beyond competition, this development highlights a clear trend: Technology is removing language barriers, allowing people to communicate no matter where they are in the world. The question now is: Will Apple be able to redefine the live translation experience, or will it be left in the shadow of Google and Samsung?