The current developer beta of iOS 26 hints at a new feature that adds a live translation option to AirPods. This would allow real-world conversations to be translated in real time—a move that adds a crucial use case to Apple's existing translation features. The feature builds on the features unveiled at WWDC25 but expands them with a capability that hasn't yet been officially announced.
At WWDC25, Apple introduced Live Translation as part of Apple Intelligence, focusing on FaceTime, phone calls, and messages. However, one use case remained unmentioned: translating spontaneous everyday conversations. The latest beta of iOS 26 now contains hints that precisely this capability is being prepared – via a special gesture for AirPods. This could bring significant added value, especially for travel and international encounters.
New gesture in iOS 26
9to5mac discovered a new system element in iOS 26 Developer Beta 6 that demonstrates a gesture that involves pressing both AirPods stems simultaneously. This action appears to be directly linked to the Translate app. The accompanying imagery includes text in English, Portuguese, French, and German and clearly refers to a live translation feature. Currently, the gesture is specifically linked to the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and the AirPods (4th generation).
Translations in the real world
The ability to use AirPods for live translation in everyday life fits in with the current trend in wearables. Similar approaches have already been seen with devices like the Meta Ray-Bans, which can translate speech in real time. For Apple, this would be a natural extension of the previously announced live translation in FaceTime, messages, and phone calls.
- The big advantage: conversations can be translated without looking at the iPhone and without manual app navigation.
Hardware requirements and supported languages
It is not yet known which iPhone models will support the new gesture. It is unlikely that the function will run entirely on the AirPods themselves, so a compatible iPhone will be required. Apple will likely base this on the existing hardware requirements for other live translation features. In Messages, live translation is available for Chinese (Simplified), English (UK, US), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain). It requires Apple Intelligence on a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac, as well as an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or an Apple Watch Ultra 2 with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. In Phone and FaceTime, live translation is available for one-on-one conversations in English (UK, US), French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain) – again only with Apple Intelligence on compatible devices.
Speculation about availability
Since real-world translations require particularly low latency, Apple could limit the new AirPods feature to the iPhone 17 series. This would explain why this feature hasn't appeared in official presentations so far. While there are no concrete indications yet, it is certain that the integration of a live translation gesture into AirPods will be a relevant and practical feature for many users.
iOS 26 relies on practical language support
iOS 26 brings more than just minor improvements – the hints of a live translation gesture for AirPods demonstrate that Apple is specifically working on features that make everyday life easier and break down language barriers. This addition could make a noticeable difference, especially for those who travel frequently or are in multilingual environments. Even though the final implementation and device support are still pending, everything indicates that this feature will be one of the most exciting new features in iOS 26. (Image: Shutterstock / Gorlov Alexander)
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