With Live Translation for AirPods, Apple is launching a feature that could break down language barriers in everyday life. The announcement is attracting attention worldwide, but the feature isn't launching in Europe, of all places. This is due to regulatory requirements that are currently slowing Apple down.
Live Translation is part of Apple Intelligence and was first introduced with the AirPods Pro 3. It allows you to translate conversations in real time—hands-free while wearing the AirPods. The technology will also be rolled out to older models like the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation. It sounds like a big step for international communication, but the feature remains blocked for users with EU accounts for the time being.
Restrictions in the EU
Apple points out on its availability page that live translation with AirPods does not work in the EU if the account and user location are within the European Union. The company does not provide an official reason. Experts believe that European laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the new EU law on artificial intelligence are behind the blockage. These regulations establish strict rules for language and translation services. These primarily address issues such as data storage, consent, the handling of personal information, and potential impacts on user rights. Before the feature can be activated in Europe, Apple will likely have to ensure that all requirements are fully complied with.
How live translation works
Live Translation is designed to enable hands-free communication. While a conversation is in progress, the AirPods translate in real time. Those without AirPods can view the translation as a transcription on their iPhone. There, the content appears horizontally on the display in the desired target language. It gets even more interesting when both conversation partners are using compatible AirPods with Live Translation enabled. Active Noise Cancellation then automatically adjusts the volume so that the translated audio remains clearly audible while maintaining a natural flow of conversation.
Conditions for use
To use the feature, you need AirPods with the latest firmware and an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence. This means at least an iPhone 15 Pro or later, with iOS 26 or later. Apple has already tested the necessary firmware alongside the iOS 26 betas. The official launch of the software is scheduled for September 15, and the AirPods firmware is expected on the same day.
Language support at launch
Live Translation is initially available in five languages: English (US and UK), French, German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish. Apple has also announced plans to add additional languages, such as Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese, throughout the year. It remains unclear when the ban on EU accounts will be lifted. Apple is keeping quiet about this, but notes that more information could follow.
Live translation remains blocked indefinitely in Europe
Live translation with AirPods is a promising tool that could make foreign language use easier and conversations around the world more straightforward. While users in many regions will soon benefit from it, Europe remains out of the picture for now. Until legal issues surrounding data protection and AI usage are resolved, EU accounts will have to make do without the new feature. (Image: Apple)
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