Apple is reported to be launching an instant translation conversation feature for AirPods, allowing users to communicate across languages directly through their headphones. This new feature is tied to the forthcoming iOS 19, expected to debut later this year.
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Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is anticipated to be held this June, showcasing the latest devices and technologies from the company. Reports suggest that Apple is preparing to launch iOS 19, marking the largest software update since iOS 7 in 2013.
Instant Translation Conversation Feature for AirPods to Launch
Notably, according to Bloomberg, insiders have revealed that Apple is developing a new instant translation conversation feature for AirPods. This feature will be part of the software update for AirPods and is expected to be launched alongside the upcoming iOS 19 later this year.
Similar instant translation features have already appeared in competitor headphones, such as Google’s Pixel Buds and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 Pro. It will be interesting to see if Apple can offer a smoother, low-latency translation experience. Since 2020, Apple has provided a built-in translation application on the iPhone.
The operation of the AirPods instant translation conversation feature is as follows: if an English user is listening to a conversation in Spanish, the iPhone will instantly translate the content and play it back in English through the AirPods. Simultaneously, what the English user says will be translated into Spanish and played back to the other party through the iPhone.
Apple Plans to Launch the Largest iOS Update in History
Reports indicate that this update for AirPods is part of Apple’s major software overhaul this year. The company is planning the largest scale update for iOS ever, while also redesigning macOS to cater to the new generation of users. Furthermore, Apple will enhance the translation technology in iOS 19.
As for which models of AirPods will support the instant translation conversation feature, no official announcement has been made yet. However, there is widespread speculation that the new AirPods Pro and some existing models may receive this feature through a software update.
It is also possible that Apple may adopt a similar approach as it did with the AirPods hearing aid functionality, limiting the feature to only the latest AirPods Pro. Last year, Apple introduced hearing health-related features for the second-generation AirPods Pro, including a hearing mode that does not require a medical visit and a hearing test feature.
At the same time, Apple continues to develop new AirPods hardware products, including a third-generation AirPods Pro. The company is also working on an AirPods model with a built-in camera that can analyze the surrounding environment using AI. Last year, Apple launched new color options for the AirPods Max headphones, as well as a lower-priced AirPods 4 model.
