Introduction

Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26 Live Translation, bringing a major upgrade to the way iOS users communicate. This new Apple Intelligence Feature was first announced at WWDC in June 2025 and released globally on September 15, 2025. With live translation built directly into core apps like Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, iPhone users can now enjoy real-time translation for both text and audio. On-device processing ensures that every translation is private and secure, giving users full confidence while they connect across languages.

The arrival of iOS 26 live translation also extends to hardware like the new iPhone, new AirPods 2025, and AirPods Pro 3, which are quickly evolving into smart translation earbuds. Whether it is live translation in the Phone app or instant translation during FaceTime calls, Apple has created a system that makes multilingual communication effortless. By integrating Apple intelligence live translation across supported devices, Apple is breaking down global language barriers and making everyday conversations smoother for iOS users everywhere. The information for this blog, including details about iOS 26 live translation and Apple intelligence live translation, is based on Apple’s official announcement in New Apple Intelligence features are available today - source.

What is New Apple Intelligence Feature: iOS 26 Live Translation?

Apple has launched the New Apple Intelligence Feature: iOS 26 Live Translation, introducing powerful tools that improve communication across devices like the new iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. At the heart of this update is iOS 26 Live Translation, a feature designed to transform the way iOS users communicate. Live translation is now built into core apps such as Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, giving users instant and private translation for both text and audio. With live translation running on-device, conversations remain secure while delivering fast and accurate results. Even AirPods Pro 3 and the new AirPods 2025 now support live translation, turning them into translation earbuds that help users connect across languages in real time.

In Messages, live translation can automatically translate text as you type, ensuring the recipient instantly receives the message in their own language. FaceTime takes live translation further with live translated captions during calls, while the Phone app delivers spoken live translation so conversations flow naturally. AirPods make live translation possible during in-person interactions with simple gestures, Siri commands, or the Action button on iPhone. Whether it is live translation in Messages, live translation in FaceTime, or live translation with AirPods, iOS 26 ensures smooth multilingual communication. With upcoming expansions in supported languages, iOS 26 Live Translation is set to become one of the most valuable Apple Intelligence features for iOS users worldwide.

Features of iOS 26 Live Translation

The New Apple Intelligence Feature: iOS 26 Live Translation brings powerful translation capabilities to iOS users. From instant live translation in apps to smart translation earbuds, iOS 26 ensures seamless multilingual communication across devices like the new iPhone, AirPods Pro 3, and new AirPods 2025. Here are the main features of iOS 26 Live Translation:

1. Live Translation in Messages

With iOS 26 Live Translation, Messages now support automatic translation while typing. Users can send text that is instantly translated into the recipient’s language, making chat conversations smooth and effortless.

2. Live Translation in FaceTime

FaceTime supports real-time live translation with captions. Users can follow along with the translated text while still hearing the original voice, combining natural conversation with instant translation.

3. Live Translation in Phone App

iOS 26 Live Translation in the Phone app delivers spoken translation in real time. Live translation ensures users can have phone conversations across languages without confusion.

4. Live Translation with AirPods

The new AirPods 2025 and AirPods Pro 3 act as smart translation earbuds, offering live translation for in-person conversations. Users can activate translation via gestures, Siri commands, or the iPhone Action button, providing instant translation wherever they go.

5. Realtime Translation Across Supported Devices

Apple Intelligence supports live translation across multiple devices including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. iOS 26 enables seamless translation across all Apple intelligence supported devices, ensuring global communication is effortless.

6. Expanding Language Support

iOS 26 Live Translation will soon cover more languages, including Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified and traditional), making live translation even more powerful for iOS users worldwide.

Supported Devices for iOS 26 Live Translation

iOS 26 Live Translation allows iOS users to communicate across languages seamlessly using Apple Intelligence. To use this feature, make sure your device is updated to iOS 26 or later and Apple Intelligence is turned on. Here are the Supported Devices for iOS 26 Live Translation:

1. iPhone Compatibility

Live Translation is supported on the latest iPhone models:

• iPhone 17 Series (all models)

• iPhone 16 Series (all models)

• iPhone 15 Pro

• iPhone 15 Pro Max

These new iPhone models fully support the Apple Intelligence Feature, enabling live translation across Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app.

2. AirPods Compatibility

Live Translation for in-person conversations is available with:

1. AirPods Pro 3

2. New AirPods 2025

Requirements for AirPods translation:

• iPhone 15 Pro or later

• iOS 26 or later

• Apple Intelligence enabled

• Latest AirPods firmware installed

• Translate app downloaded

These AirPods act as advanced translation earbuds, letting users hear live translation of conversations in their preferred language.

3. iPad and Mac Compatibility

1. iPads running iPadOS 26

2. Macs running macOS 26

These devices support live translation in apps like Messages and FaceTime when Apple Intelligence is enabled.

4. Other Apple Devices

1. Apple Watch with watchOS 26

2. Apple Vision Pro with visionOS 26

Live translation works across supported apps on these devices, making multilingual communication seamless.

Live Translation with AirPods

The New Apple Intelligence Feature: iOS 26 Live Translation now works with AirPods, turning them into powerful translation earbuds. With AirPods Pro 3 and new AirPods 2025, iOS users can experience in-person conversations translated in real time, making multilingual communication simple and seamless.

Live Translation with AirPods pairs effortlessly with a compatible iPhone 15 Pro or later, using Apple Intelligence to provide accurate live translation iOS 26 for calls, FaceTime, and Messages. These translation earbuds let iOS users listen, respond, and engage in realtime translation across languages. On Apple Intelligence supported devices like the new iPhone, users can access iPhone translate features to translate conversations instantly, whether at work, traveling, or socializing. Combining live translation, AirPods, and Apple Intelligence makes multilingual communication effortless, turning everyday conversations into smooth, natural exchanges.

How to Use Live Translation on Different Devices?

With iOS 26, the New Apple Intelligence Feature: Live Translation allows iOS users to communicate across languages effortlessly. Here’s how to Use Live Translation on Different Devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods, bringing realtime translation to Messages, FaceTime, the Phone app, and translation earbuds like AirPods Pro 3 and new AirPods 2025. Here is How to Use Live Translation on Different Devices stepwise:

1. Steps to Use Live Translation on iPhone

Step 1: Enable Apple Intelligence

Turn on Apple Intelligence on your iPhone to activate live translation iOS 26 features.

Step 2: Translate Messages

Use the Messages app to translate incoming and outgoing messages in real time.

Step 3: Translate Phone Calls

During calls in the Phone app, Live Translation provides spoken translations instantly.

Step 4: Translate FaceTime Conversations

Use FaceTime to hear real-time translations while maintaining natural conversation flow.

2. Steps to Use Live Translation on iPad

Step 1: Enable Apple Intelligence

Activate Apple Intelligence in iPadOS 26 to access Live Translation features.

Step 2: Translate Messages and FaceTime

Use Messages and FaceTime to enjoy realtime translation directly on your iPad.

3. Steps to Use Live Translation on Mac

Step 1: Enable Apple Intelligence

Turn on Apple Intelligence on macOS 26 to enable translation features across supported apps.

Step 2: Translate Messages and FaceTime

Use Live Translation in Messages and FaceTime to communicate across languages naturally on your Mac.

4. Steps to Use Live Translation with AirPods

Step 1: Connect AirPods

Pair your AirPods Pro 3 or new AirPods 2025 with a compatible iPhone 15 Pro or later.

Step 2: Translate In-Person Conversations

Live Translation converts speech into your preferred language in real time, letting you follow conversations effortlessly using your translation earbuds.

Languages Supported in Live Translation

The Languages Supported in Live Translation in iOS 26, powered by the New Apple Intelligence Feature, allows iOS users to enjoy live translation iOS 26 across multiple apps, including Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app. With this feature, translation is faster and more accurate, whether using AirPods Pro 3 as translation earbuds or the latest iPhone models. Live Translation makes multilingual communication effortless, breaking down language barriers for iOS users everywhere.

1. English – Both UK and US variants are fully supported for text and speech translation.

2. French – Standard French translation is available for Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app.

3. German – Users can translate conversations in German in real time.

4. Italian – Live Translation supports Italian for text and spoken conversations.

5. Japanese – Real-time translation is available in Messages, FaceTime, and calls.

6. Korean – Supported for live translation across all compatible apps.

7. Portuguese – Brazilian Portuguese is available for realtime translation.

8. Spanish – Spanish (Spain) is fully supported across all Live Translation apps.

9. Chinese – Simplified and Traditional Chinese can be translated in real time.

Apple continues to expand the Languages Supported in Live Translation, allowing more iOS users to experience seamless translation across Apple Intelligence supported devices. Whether using translation earbuds or a new iPhone, Live Translation ensures every conversation is smooth, natural, and fully understandable in real time.

Bonus Tip: Use WhatsApp Translator to Translate Messages on WhatsApp Web

If you often use WhatsApp on your desktop, there's a smart way to translate messages without switching tabs. With a WhatsApp translator extension on your browser, you can instantly translate incoming and outgoing messages directly on WhatsApp Web.

Step 1: Install the WhatsApp Translator Extension

Add the WhatsApp Translator Extension from the Chrome Web Store and pin it to your browser for easy access.

Step 2: Detect Any Language

Paste the message. The WhatsApp translator automatically detects the language.

Step 3: Reply in the Same Language

Type your response. The translator for WhatsApp will convert your reply accurately.

Step 4: Auto-Translate While Typing

Turn on auto translate WhatsApp. Your messages are translated live, as you type. This process uses WhatsApp automatic translation and ensures fast and efficient multilingual WhatsApp chats.

Conclusion

The New Apple Intelligence Feature: iOS 26 Live Translation brings a powerful way for iOS users to communicate across languages effortlessly. With Live Translation, users can translate text, calls, FaceTime conversations, and in-person speech in real time, whether on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or using AirPods Pro 3 and new AirPods 2025 as advanced translation earbuds.

By combining Apple Intelligence with the latest iPhone models and supported devices, iOS users can enjoy smooth, natural multilingual communication without interruptions. From sending messages to making calls or having face-to-face conversations, Live Translation ensures that language barriers no longer limit interaction. With expanding language support and seamless integration across apps, iOS 26 Live Translation is redefining how users connect, making communication truly universal.

FAQ's

Q: How to enable live translation in iOS 26?

A: Update your iPhone and turn on Apple Intelligence in Settings. Live translation iOS 26 will then work in Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app for real-time multilingual communication.

Q: How to activate live translation on AirPods?

A: Pair AirPods Pro 3 or new AirPods 2025 with a compatible iPhone. Apple Intelligence powers live translation with AirPods for in-person conversations.

Q: How to turn on live translation on iOS 26?

A: Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and enable Apple Intelligence. iOS users can now access live translation iOS 26 across supported apps.

Q: Does iOS have live translation?

A: Yes, iOS 26 features live translation powered by Apple Intelligence, enabling real-time text and voice translation on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods.

Q: What are the new features in iOS 26?

A: iOS 26 introduces live translation iOS 26 across apps and devices, expanded language support, and on-device processing for privacy, making multilingual communication seamless.