Live translation for AirPods (Pro): EU users look down the tube
The live translation for the AirPods Pro 3 fascinated many Apple customers. However, those living in the EU will not receive this function from Apple for now.
Apple's new live translation function is designed to make it easier to communicate between different languages using the AirPods Pro.
(Image: Apple)
Big disappointment for AirPods Pro owners who have been waiting for the new live translation function: According to Apple, the function will not be available in the European Union (EU). This affects users who are located in the EU and whose Apple account is assigned to an EU country. Apple remains silent on the reasons. The information itself was taken from a support document that can be viewed online. Apple has not yet responded to an inquiry from Mac & i.
In view of recent events, however, it is very likely that the decision has something to do with the ongoing dispute between Apple and the European Commission over interoperability issues. The EU wants Apple to open up its hardware and software to competitors. Apple rejects this in many areas, citing risks to the security of users and devices. However, it remains to be seen whether Apple is acting in anticipatory obedience in the case of live translation. Or whether there have already been signals from Brussels.
Many EU languages are supported
Apple presented the new live translation – in the original Live Translation – on Tuesday during the "Awe Dropping" event using the new AirPods Pro 3 as an example. However, it is also available for AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 as a software update in connection with iOS 26 for the iPhone. However, at least an iPhone 15 Pro or another suitable device that supports Apple Intelligence is required.
The function makes it possible to use AI functions when wearing the earphones, which translate what the other person is saying into your own language. Conversely, what you say is also translated in the opposite direction. If only one of the conversation partners has suitable AirPods, the answers are shown on the iPhone display. If both have the devices, the other person's voice is translated directly.
Apple is initially supporting English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish. Italian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese are to follow later this year.
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Sticking points in several places
Legal sticking points in the event of an EU introduction are conceivable in several places. The AI Act, for example, could apply as the new function processes speech on a permanent basis. Classification as a sensitive AI use case would be possible here. There is also potential for conflict in connection with the General Data Protection Regulation regarding whether other people can recognize that a recording and voice-processing function of the AirPods Pro is active. And finally, the interoperability requirements could also be a hurdle. Apple would then have to allow competitors to offer such functions on an equal footing, for example with a smartphone besides the iPhone, something Apple refuses to do.
Apple's competitors seem to take a more relaxed view of the issue. Google's Pixel Buds have been offering live translation in the EU for some time now.
When it comes to software features for the iPhone, the situation appears to be much more relaxed than for live translation with AirPods. Corresponding translation functions, which are to come with iOS 26, are not yet on the deletion list for EU users.
Apple users are annoyed
Numerous angry reactions from Apple customers can already be read in forums. However, the frustration is mostly directed at the European Union and its regulation. Apple itself has so far done little to clarify the situation. The situation was similar with the introduction of Apple Intelligence, where it was unclear for a long time whether and when it would be introduced in the EU. In the end, EU countries and languages were even among the first in the international expansion. But there are other examples: iPhone mirroring, which makes it possible to control an iPhone remotely via Mac, is still not available in the EU. Apple is not commenting on the reasons for this or whether there are any prospects.
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