Many challenges await Apple this year, and while the new Siri is ultimately not on the agenda, a new feature could revolutionize the AirPods. The Apple brand is preparing a real-time translation function for its famous earphones, according to information from Bloomberg. Planned for iOS 19, the new feature would arrive later this year and promises to transform the way users interact with people who speak a different language.
How will AirPods real-time translation work?
Apple's idea is quite simple and will work like this: when a French-speaking user wearing AirPods hears someone speaking in a foreign language (English, Spanish, etc.), the iPhone will pick up the audio and translate the speech into French before transmitting it to the AirPods. This process will also work the other way around for a seamless exchange. The French-speaking user's words will be captured and translated into a foreign language, then played through the iPhone's speakers for the other person.
Apple's future feature would arrive via a software update for the AirPods. This would be linked to iOS 19, the next major update to the iPhone's operating system, scheduled for release in late 2025. Apple is expected to discuss this new version, which would offer a major overhaul, as early as June at the WWDC 2025 conference. This translation tool would be integrated into the iPhone's Translate app.
In addition to iOS, iPadOS 19 and macOS 16 are expected to receive a significant graphical overhaul.
Which AirPods will be compatible?
Compatibility details are not yet known, but it's likely that this feature won't be limited to the upcoming AirPods Pro 3. It could arrive on the current AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, allowing Apple to reach a wider audience. While the Pro earbuds await a successor, the latest generation of AirPods comes in two versions: without and with active noise cancellation. The rollout of this feature would be part of a trend of bringing AirPods improvements closer to iOS updates, as Apple has already started offering hearing health features with iOS 18.
We can also expect Tim Cook's company to emphasize privacy. Apple regularly brings up this topic, even though several controversies have erupted this year regarding Siri and iCloud.
A revolution for Apple, not for the competition
This innovation could greatly help Apple maintain its position in the audio market. However, the Cupertino company would only be catching up, since other headphone manufacturers already offer an instant translation function, such as Google with the Pixel Buds or Samsung via the Galaxy Buds. The seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem to help the company stand out from its rivals and specialist companies, such as Timekettle or Waverly Labs.
This new development would also confirm Apple's desire to focus heavily on its wireless headphones in the short term. The Californian giant is multiplying its projects to transform AirPods into essential accessories.
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