Apple’s new Live Translation isn’t limited to its latest earbuds. The feature, announced alongside AirPods Pro 3, is also coming to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation via a firmware update when paired with an Apple Intelligence–enabled iPhone on iOS 26 or later. Apple outlines the capability and compatibility in its AirPods Pro 3 launch.

What Live Translation actually does

Live Translation turns your AirPods into a hands-free interpreter for in-person conversations. You speak naturally; translation plays privately in your ear. If the other person isn’t wearing compatible AirPods, your iPhone can act as a visual bridge, showing a live transcription and translation on screen in a horizontal layout. When both people wear compatible AirPods with Live Translation enabled, Active Noise Cancellation briefly dips the other speaker’s voice so the translated audio is easier to follow without breaking the flow of conversation.

Compatibility and requirements

  • AirPods: AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4 with ANC (and AirPods Pro 3).
  • iPhone: An Apple Intelligence–enabled model running iOS 26 or later (today, that starts with iPhone 15 Pro and newer).
  • Firmware: The latest AirPods firmware (Apple has been testing this alongside iOS 26 betas and it’s expected to roll out with the public iOS 26 release).

Apple notes the feature is in beta and flags regional and language limitations in its feature availability page.

Supported languages at launch (and what’s next)

At launch, real-time translation is available between:

  • English (U.K. and U.S.)
  • French (France)
  • German
  • Portuguese (Brazil)
  • Spanish (Spain)

Apple says support for Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) will be added later this year. The same language expansion is slated to arrive across AirPods and in Phone and FaceTime.

How conversations work in practice

  • One person with AirPods: Your iPhone displays your speech in the other person’s language (and can read it aloud if needed). Their reply can be translated into your language in your ear.
  • Both with compatible AirPods: Each person hears a private translation in their own buds. ANC intelligently lowers the other speaker’s voice during the translated segment so you can focus, then returns you to the room.

Setup checklist

  • Update your iPhone to iOS 26 or later and ensure Apple Intelligence is enabled (availability varies by region and language).
  • Install the latest AirPods firmware once it becomes available.
  • Pair your AirPods and follow the on-device prompts to enable Live Translation.

Note: Apple Intelligence features may require specific device and Siri language settings during the beta period; check Apple’s support details for current requirements and regions.

Which AirPods don't support live translation

Apple’s compatibility line calls out AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 with ANC, and later models. Other AirPods models aren’t listed for Live Translation at this time.

Quick answers

  • Does it require a new iPhone? You’ll need an Apple Intelligence–enabled iPhone on iOS 26 or later; that currently starts with iPhone 15 Pro and newer.
  • Do both people need AirPods? No. It works with just one set of compatible AirPods; the iPhone can handle the other side visually and audibly. Having AirPods on both sides unlocks the most seamless experience.
  • When can I use it? Apple has been beta-testing the AirPods firmware alongside iOS 26 betas; the public firmware is expected to land as iOS 26 ships.

Live Translation is a software-first upgrade: if you already own AirPods Pro 2 and a supported iPhone, a firmware update is all that stands between you and in-ear translation — with more languages rolling out later this year.