Wireless Earbuds AirPods Potentially Deliver Real-Time Translations Directly to Users' Ears
Apple is set to unveil a groundbreaking feature for its AirPods lineup at its annual fall launch next month. The tech giant is expected to debut a real-time translation feature for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, which could potentially revolutionise the way we communicate.
While AI, as a reason to buy new hardware, hasn't exactly taken off yet, the integration of AI in earbuds might just be the game-changer. The live translation feature within AirPods will not be a repeat of the feature already available in Pixel Buds or Galaxy Buds, but a unique offering from Apple.
Each pair of wireless earbuds, including AirPods, uses its own companion translation app. For AirPods, Apple will likely introduce a dedicated app to facilitate this new functionality. The live translation feature can be triggered by pressing both AirPods' stems simultaneously, integrated seamlessly with iOS 26.
The feature is tied to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, likely due to the hardware and software capabilities needed for this real-time function. Rumors suggest that the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, expected around September 2025, will also support this feature and may bring additional new tracking and sensor capabilities.
The live translation feature probably relies on processing through the paired iPhone running iOS 26, rather than running entirely on the AirPods. This means that users will need a compatible iPhone to enjoy this feature.
It's important to note that the live translation tool is exclusive to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 models. There is no indication that it will be available for older models like AirPods Max.
The live translation feature will initially support English, French, German, and Portuguese. The expansion of this feature could potentially make new functions like translation mainstream faster due to wider ownership.
Google has had real-time translation in wireless earbuds since the original wireless Pixel Buds, and Samsung's Galaxy Buds 3 Pro also have a version of real-time translation. However, the integration of this feature into Apple's popular AirPods lineup could significantly increase its adoption.
The live translation feature in AirPods may be considered a more practical AI feature compared to Genmoji or the Image Playground app. It could serve as easy marketing for the holidays, attracting customers who value convenience and cross-cultural communication.
The latest "26" software updates will include the expansion of the live translation feature beyond the Phone, Messages, and FaceTime apps. This means that users will be able to enjoy real-time translation in a variety of applications, making communication even more seamless.
In conclusion, Apple's live translation feature for AirPods is a significant step forward in the integration of AI into everyday life. While it remains exclusive to the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 for now, it's an exciting development that could pave the way for more AI-powered features in the future.
[1] Source: 9to5Mac [2] Source: MacRumors [3] Source: The Verge [4] Source: Bloomberg [5] Source: TechCrunch
The live translation feature in AirPods could significantly increase the adoption of this technology, as it's expected to be exclusive to the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. This feature, which will be accessible through a dedicated app, could potentially make new functions like real-time translation mainstream faster due to the wide ownership of AirPods.
While Apple's live translation feature is a notable development in AI integration, it's not entirely new to the market. Google and Samsung have offered similar real-time translation in wireless earbuds for some time now.
The future of AI technology in everyday life might be shaped by the success of the live translation feature in AirPods. If successful, it could pave the way for more AI-powered features in various tech gadgets, including smartphones and other tech devices.
