Apple is working on a live translation feature for AirPods, based on assets in the latest iOS 26 developer beta.
The image, discovered in system files, shows the Translate app icon with text in English, Portuguese, French, and German.
It appears tied to a gesture that triggers when both AirPods stems are pressed at once, and the code links it to the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods (4th generation).
Live Translation launched at WWDC25 for FaceTime, Messages, and Phone calls, but Apple made no mention of real-world conversations.
Bloomberg reported earlier this year that support for in-person use was in development, and the latest beta suggests it’s getting closer to release.
Apple hasn’t confirmed which devices will support the feature, though it will likely share the same requirements as other Live Translation tools: Apple Intelligence on a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
For travelers, this could make AirPods a valuable companion in unfamiliar countries while moving Apple’s wearables deeper into AI-powered territory.
The company has not set a launch date, but iOS 26 is expected to ship alongside the iPhone 17 lineup next month.
Do you think this will work better than translation on the iPhone or Apple Watch? Share your thoughts in the comments.
