Apple AirPods to gain real-time speech translation feature

Apple is developing a new feature for its AirPods that will let users hear translations of foreign speech in real time. According to Bloomberg, this technology is slated to roll out as part of a software update in 2025.

The feature is expected to debut alongside iOS 19, positioning it as a cornerstone of Apple’s expanding ecosystem in artificial intelligence and speech processing. The first beta versions of iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 are anticipated to drop in June 2025 during Apple’s annual WWDC developer conference.

The Evolution of AirPods: What’s Apple Cooking Up?

Beyond translation, Apple is also working on the next iteration of AirPods Pro. Rumors suggest the company is exploring AirPods with built-in cameras, leveraging AI to analyze surroundings—a potential game-changer for the line.

For now, the current AirPods lineup includes:

• AirPods 4: The refreshed entry-level earbuds.
• AirPods Max: The premium over-ear model.
• AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, 2022 & 2023): Featuring USB-C support, an upgraded H2 chip, and enhanced water and dust resistance.

The addition of real-time translation could elevate AirPods from mere earbuds to a powerful tool for global communication, marking a significant leap in their evolution.