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Apple introduced its Live Translation feature with the new AirPods Pro 3. This technology aims to facilitate conversations across languages, allowing users to carry on discussions without looking at their phones. While the feature is available for both the latest AirPods Pro 3 and older models like AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, it requires a specific iPhone model to function properly.
### Apple’s Live Translation in AirPods Pro 3 Is Restricted to Select iPhones, Leaving Older Models with Basic Features
Live Translation uses the microphones in the AirPods Pro 3 to detect foreign speech. The audio is then sent to the user’s iPhone, where Apple Intelligence processes it in real time and sends back a translated version directly to your ears. If you respond, your iPhone can transcribe and translate your words, displaying them on the screen or speaking them aloud in another language so the other person hears it. When both participants use compatible AirPods with Live Translation enabled, each one hears the translation in their own language.
However, there is a compatibility issue. You can only use Live Translation on iPhone models that support Apple Intelligence, which means you need at least an iPhone 15 Pro or any newer model. This is because Live Translation relies heavily on on-device translation and requires powerful processing and neural engine support. According to Apple, only iOS 26 versions of iPhones with Apple Intelligence can utilize this feature.
If you own an older iPhone and are considering buying the AirPods Pro 3 for its translation capabilities, it might not be worth it unless you plan to upgrade your phone to the latest iPhone 17 models or any other that supports Apple Intelligence. The earbuds come with advanced features that you won’t be able to use with an older iPhone. However, upgrading for their superior audio quality and twice as effective noise cancellation is a different matter.
What do you think about the Live Translation feature? Are you planning to use it? Let us know your thoughts!
