Apple appears to be preparing to bring live translation to AirPods in iOS 26. Hidden in iOS 26 beta 6, a new system asset points to a gesture that activates in-person translation on AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods (4th generation). The image, labeled “Translate,” shows a double-press gesture on both AirPod stems alongside multilingual greetings like Hello, Bonjour, Danke, and Obrigado, making the connection to real-time translation clear.
As discovered by 9to5Mac, this gesture is expected to launch the Translate app on a connected iPhone, enabling live translation for face-to-face conversations. The processing would happen on the iPhone using Apple Intelligence, since AirPods do not have the onboard capability for such tasks. This approach matches how Apple’s existing Live Translation works for calls, Messages, and FaceTime, all of which require compatible hardware. It is likely that only recent iPhones that support Apple Intelligence, such as the iPhone 15 Pro or newer, will be able to use this feature.
If implemented as expected, AirPods live translation could transform cross-language communication. Imagine traveling abroad and holding a conversation with seamless translation delivered directly in your ears, without reaching for your phone. Apple’s focus on natural gestures and tight integration with its ecosystem would differentiate the feature from competing solutions already offered by Google’s Pixel Buds and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds.
Live Translation for calls, FaceTime, and Messages was first announced at WWDC 2025, but Apple did not mention real-world, in-person translation through AirPods at the time. Its appearance in iOS 26 beta 6 suggests that the company is refining the capability for a public reveal, likely alongside the launch of iOS 26 and the iPhone 17 lineup in September.
AirPods live translation has the potential to become one of the standout features of iOS 26. If Apple can ensure accurate, low-latency translations and keep hardware requirements as accessible as possible, this could push AirPods beyond their current role as premium audio devices and turn them into powerful tools for breaking down language barriers in everyday life.
