iOS 26: Use Live Translation with AirPods
In iOS 26, Live Translation enables hands-free communication by allowing users who do not speak the same language to translate text while wearing the AirPods can speak naturally. When talking to users without AirPods, the iPhone can display live transcriptions horizontally and show translations in the other person’s preferred language. Read on to learn how to use the feature.
In iOS 26, Live Translation is integrated into Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app to help users communicate across languages, translating text and audio in a snap.
However, the feature is most impressive when both callers are wearing compatible AirPods with Live Translation enabled. Active Noise Cancellation automatically reduces the volume of the other speaker, allowing users to focus on the translated audio while maintaining a natural flow of interaction.
Live Translation was a big deal at the announcement of the Apple AirPods Pro 3, but it also works with older models running iOS 26, including the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and the AirPods Pro 2.
What do you need for AirPods Live Translation?
- AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro 3
- iPhone 15 Pro or newer
- iOS 26 or higher
- The Translator app
- The latest AirPods firmware version
Which languages are supported?
Live Translation supports real-time translations between English (UK and US), French, German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish. Apple plans to add Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese later this year.
Before you can use Live Translation, you need to download the language the other person speaks and the language you want to translate into.
- Put your AirPods in your ears and make sure they’re connected to your iPhone.
- Open Settings on your iPhone, then tap the name of your AirPods.
- Under “Translation,” tap “Languages,” then select the languages you want to download.
Start Live Translation
- Wear your AirPods and connect them to your iPhone
- Make sure Apple Intelligence is enabled (Settings & Apple Intelligence & Siri)
- Open the Translate app and then tap “Live”
- Select the language the other person speaks and the language you want your AirPods to translate into
- Tap “Start Translation”
As soon as your conversation partner speaks, your AirPods will instantly translate the words into the selected language. In noisy environments, you can increase accuracy by turning on your iPhone’s microphones – simply move your iPhone closer to the speaker.
When it’s your turn, simply respond as usual. The Live tab of the Translate app can display a transcription of your words on your iPhone screen, or you can tap the Play button to have your iPhone read the translation aloud.
If your conversation partner also has supported AirPods set up with Live Translation, they can hear your response directly through their own AirPods. To stop Live Translation at any time, simply tap the X button.
Live Translation can do even more
To start Live Translation at any time, open the Translate app on your iPhone, tap “Live,” and then tap “Start Translation.” You can also set the Action button on your iPhone to launch the Translate app, so you can start Live Translation right away while wearing your AirPods.
There are several other quick ways to get started. You can hold down the buttons on both AirPods at the same time or ask Siri to “Start Live Translation,” for example. You can also swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center and tap “Translate.” To add Translate to Control Center, long-press a space between the keys, tap Add Control, then search for and select Translate.
