Apple is about to bring live translation feature to Airpods headphones?

An exciting new update is being developed by Apple for its AirPods, which is rumored to bring live translation directly to the headphones. This means that AirPods will support users to instantly translate conversations when two people are speaking different languages ​​in real time.

According to a report from Bloomberg, the live translation feature for AirPods will be part of a software update expected to launch later this year. Leaks have revealed that the feature could be related to iOS 19, Apple's next major update for the iPhone. Notably, the live translation feature on AirPods will rely on the Translate app on the iPhone.

The idea is simple. If an English speaker is talking to someone speaking another language, say Spanish, the iPhone will listen in, translate the speech into English, and send it to the AirPods. At the same time, the English speaker’s speech will be translated back into Spanish and played through the iPhone to the other person.

Google has actually offered a similar translation feature with its Pixel Buds for years, but it hasn’t been widely known. Apple’s Translate app has also been available on iPhones since 2020. But adding live translation to AirPods would make conversations more natural and seamless. Apple has been adding new features to AirPods through iOS updates. iOS 18, for example, brought a range of hearing aids for those with hearing problems.

Along with the live translation feature, Apple is reportedly working on a major upgrade to iOS and macOS. The next iOS update, iOS 19, is rumored to be one of the biggest updates for Apple users in years. There are also reports that Apple is working on AirPods with built-in cameras. Currently, Apple is working on software bugs that are rumored to have delayed Siri updates.