Apple will introduce a real-time speech translation feature

      Apple plans to introduce simultaneous speech translation into the AirPods headphones. The new feature will be linked to the upcoming iOS 19 update and will be available to users as early as the end of 2025.

       How will the transfer work in AirPods

       The feature will allow AirPods owners to instantly translate conversations into different languages. For example, if the user hears a speech in Spanish, the English translation will be played directly in the headphones. When the English-speaking interlocutor answers, the iPhone will translate his words back into Spanish and play the translation through the smartphone speaker.

       This will greatly simplify communication when traveling, at business meetings, and in any situation where the language barrier is important. Apple has developed this technology using developments in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

       Competing products

       Although the feature seems innovative for the Apple ecosystem, the company was late in introducing it compared to its competitors. Google implemented a similar translation mechanism back in 2017 in the first Pixel Buds, and then expanded the capabilities in the 2022 Pixel Buds Pro model. In addition, Meta and Humane companies also tried to implement speech translation in their wearable devices, but the quality of such solutions left much to be desired.

       Other Apple innovations

       In addition to integrating translation into AirPods, Apple is preparing major changes to its operating systems. According to Mark Gurman, iOS, iPadOS and macOS are awaiting a redesign, and the updated Siri voice assistant with artificial intelligence elements will be released later than originally planned.

       There have been no official comments from Apple about the new AirPods functionality yet. However, it is expected that the presentation of the new product will take place in September at the company's traditional autumn event.

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