Certain models of Apple popular AirPods could soon be able to make live and in person translations when you press the two rods at the same time.
According to a Image published by websites including 9TO5MACThe tactile gesture is presented in a system asset which is part of the developer Apple iOS 26 beta 6. In the image, the gesture is shown on a pair of AirPods with words in languages including English, Spanish, German, French and Portuguese. In June, Apple showed live translation features fed in AI that it plans to deploy for applications, including messages, Facetime and the telephone.
But the company did not specifically mention the translation live on the AirPods, even if reports in March suggested that it was in preparation. According to 9TO5MAC, the functionality is likely to operate with the AirPods Pro 2 and fourth -generation AirPods models. It is not clear if live translations would be available on Apple devices or if it would be exclusive to new product models, such as the next iPhone 17 range from the company.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comments.
What it means for Apple users
A scenario, if Apple chooses to make the translation features live as soon as possible, would be to do an Apple brand intelligence functionality of the iPhone 17, which should make its debut in September. If, as some have speculated, the translation work would be carried out on this device, rather than treated on the AirPods themselves, it is possible that Apple can launch a software update and then make the translations available on certain airpod models.
The point of sale could be Apple touting the iPhone 17 as the first Apple device with the features and equipment AI capable of such a magic feat.
However, this could also open the company to criticism: Samsung phones have had the capacity to transform telephone calls live from the 2024 Galaxy S24. And they are not the only ones. Meta’s intelligent Ray-Bans intelligent glasses also have live translation features, just like other gadgets, such as Pixel Buds dating from 2017.
