Understanding and being understood is something Apple Intelligence intends to tackle by becoming a true live translator. At WWDC 2025, its developer conference where iOS 26 was unveiled, the Cupertino company announced the integration of "Live Translation" into Messages, FaceTime, and even during traditional phone calls.
Before even touting its performance, Apple wants to reassure: no, the Apple Built models that will work in the background to translate content will not be stored outside the device. It will involve running Live Translation directly from Apple products, so that "your conversations remain private".
For the rest, the tool has been designed to work in the most natural and instantaneous way. On the Messages app, text will be automatically translated as you type. Received messages will also be instantly translated, similar to what you find on the Airbnb app and its live chat service.
In a press release, the Apple brand added: "Live translation can automatically translate messages. If a user is making plans with new friends while traveling abroad, their message can be translated as they type, sent in the recipient's preferred language, and when they receive a response, each message can be instantly translated."
Apple invites developers to use it in their apps
How will Live Translation work live during FaceTime? This will involve subtitles, to keep the conversation with the other person more natural. However, for phone calls where you don't have to look at the phone screen, Apple will directly translate what you say to the other person. The same will apply to what the other person says back to you.
It is not yet known how many languages will be available with the new Live Translation tool. Apple has, however, specified that developers will be invited to offer the tool on their communication apps, thanks to the new API.
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