Apple is reportedly set to introduce an instant translation conversation feature for AirPods, allowing users to communicate across languages directly through the headphones. This new feature is tied to the upcoming iOS 19, which is expected to be officially launched later this year.
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Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is expected to take place in June this year, showcasing the latest devices and technologies from Apple. Reports suggest that Apple is preparing to launch iOS 19, which will bring the largest software update since iOS 7 was released in 2013.
AirPods Instant Translation Conversation Feature to Launch
Notably, according to Bloomberg, sources have revealed that Apple is developing a new instant translation conversation feature for AirPods. This feature, part of the AirPods software update, will be tied to the upcoming iOS 19 and is expected to be launched concurrently later this year.
Similar instant translation features have already appeared in competitors’ headphones, such as Google’s Pixel Buds and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 Pro. Whether Apple can provide a smoother and lower-latency translation experience is worth watching, as Apple has offered a built-in translation app on the iPhone since 2020.
The operational method of the AirPods instant translation conversation feature is as follows: if an English speaker is listening to a conversation in Spanish, the iPhone will instantly translate the content and play it back to the user in English through the AirPods. At the same time, what the English speaker says will be translated into Spanish and played back to the other party through the iPhone.
Apple Plans Largest iOS Update Ever
Reports indicate that this update for AirPods is part of Apple’s major software overhaul this year. Apple is planning the largest update in the history of iOS while redesigning macOS to cater to a new generation of users. Furthermore, Apple will enhance the translation technology in iOS 19.
As for which AirPods models will support the instant translation conversation feature, no official announcement has been made yet. However, speculation suggests 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 to the release of the AirPods hearing aid feature, limiting its availability only to the latest AirPods Pro. Last year, Apple introduced hearing health-related features for the second-generation AirPods Pro, including a hearing aid mode that can be used without a medical appointment and a hearing test feature.
At the same time, Apple is still developing new AirPods hardware products, including the third-generation AirPods Pro. The company is also working on a model of AirPods with a built-in camera that can use AI to analyze the surrounding environment. Last year, Apple launched new color options for the AirPods Max headphones, as well as a lower-priced AirPods 4 model.
