Apple is to expand its real-time language translation feature for the AirPods to users in EU.
The feature, which works in English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, was initially held back due to concerns over Apple’s obligations under the Digital Markets Act.
Live Translation allows communication between users in real time. It requires a phone that supports Apple Intelligence and AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation.
For conversations where both people are using AirPods and compatible iPhones, Live Translation is delivered through the AirPods, with active noise cancellation lowering the other person’s voice to help focus the conversation. If someone is not using AirPods, users can display a live transcription in the other person’s language on their iPhone.
RM Block
Live Translation is also integrated into the messages, phone and FaceTime apps.
The new feature will be available to users with an upcoming software update, with Live Translate now available to developers on Apple’s beta programme.
It was initially rolled out to users in the US, with support in the European Union (EU) held back, with Apple citing the Digital Markets Act and the interoperability requirements of the EU’s rules on Big Tech.
The company said the new regulations required it to make certain capabilities interoperable from the outset, which created engineering challenges. Apple said that it required it to create an audio-routing API that would allow third-party apps and devices to manage multiple audio paths.
“While we are excited to be bringing Live Translation on AirPods to the EU soon, we are disappointed we had to delay the launch while we undertook additional engineering work to comply with European Commission rules that require Apple to provide other companies immediate access to our technology,” Apple said.
“We remain deeply concerned that the European Commission’s aggressive interpretation of their rules is putting users at risk and is bad for innovation.”
