The revolution of real-time translation with Apple

What is Apple's new Live Translation feature?

Apple's Live Translation is one of the most anticipated technological innovations of the year, and it will finally be available in Italy and throughout the European Union starting in December. This feature, integrated into the Apple Intelligence platform, allows real-time translation of conversations between two different languages directly through AirPods.

In practice, two people speaking different languages can converse normally: each hears in their own language, thanks to an instant automatic translation that occurs within the iPhone connected to the earbuds. The AirPods adjust the volume of the original voice to highlight the translation, creating an effect very similar to that of dubbed documentaries: the original voice is barely audible, but the translation is clear and understandable.

The feature is based on an on-device artificial intelligence system, meaning that the entire process takes place directly on the iPhone, without sending data or audio to external servers. This aspect is crucial for privacy protection, a topic increasingly important in the European technological landscape. Local processing also reduces response times, making the conversation smooth and natural, almost as if both were speaking the same language.

Real-time translation is also integrated into Apple's main communication apps: Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. In this way, the technology is not only useful for face-to-face chatting but also for phone calls, video calls, or message exchanges. This is a huge advantage for those working in international contexts or frequently traveling abroad.

The initial availability will concern the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, provided they are paired with a compatible and updated iPhone with Apple Intelligence. The list of supported languages is already extensive: Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Japanese, and Korean. All languages will be usable starting in December when the software update will be rolled out in Italy and the rest of the EU.

Curious users can test the feature in advance through the Apple Developer Program or through the public beta available at beta.apple.com. It’s an interesting opportunity to closely experience one of the most revolutionary features in recent years in the field of communication.

Why is Live Translation only arriving now in Europe?

The main reason for the delay in releasing the feature in Europe is related to the regulations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European law that imposes transparency and interoperability on tech giants. Apple had to make some adjustments to its systems to comply with the rules, particularly regarding how personal data and artificial intelligence functions are managed.

In this sense, the European version of Live Translation represents a compromise between innovation and privacy protection. Apple chose to keep all processing directly on the iPhone, without sending any information to the company's servers. This means that no one, not even Apple, can access the recordings or translated conversations. A solution that respects the DMA regulations and offers European users greater control over their data.

From a technical standpoint, however, the feature still has some limitations. The quality of the translation depends on several factors: the level of background noise, the clarity of the voice, and the distance between the two speakers. The system works best when both are wearing compatible AirPods and are in a relatively quiet environment. Otherwise, effectiveness may decrease.

If one of the speakers does not have compatible AirPods, translation can still occur, but only in textual form displayed on the iPhone screen. It’s a useful solution, but less immediate compared to the “in-ear” experience that characterizes true Live Translation.

Another aspect to consider is the linguistic limitations: for now, the number of languages is broad but not universal. Some minor languages or local dialects are not yet supported, although Apple has stated that it intends to expand the linguistic repertoire soon.

The impact of this technology is nonetheless enormous. It represents a step forward towards a more natural global communication, combining the power of artificial intelligence with the audio quality of AirPods. The ability to speak with anyone, anywhere, without worrying about language changes the way we travel, work, and make friends.

For many users, Live Translation represents the future of digital conversations: a world where language barriers disappear, and technology becomes a true bridge between cultures. Apple aims not only to improve the performance of its devices but to create an experience where technology truly serves people, simplifying everyday life.

Real-time translation with Apple Intelligence is therefore much more than a technical feature: it is a new way of understanding communication, where language does not divide but unites. A future that, starting in December, finally becomes accessible to Italian users.