[LINK] Star Trek Translator?

[Antony Barry]

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/this-is-how-ios-19-will-turn-your-airpods-into-a-universal-translator/?lctg=1980929&utm_source=digitaltrends&utm_medium=email&utm_content=subscriber_id:1980929&utm_campaign=DTDaily20250424

Apple is reportedly set to introduce a live translation feature for AirPods
with the release of iOS 19, aiming to fulfill the long-standing science
fiction dream of a "universal translator" akin to Star Trek[1][2][4][7].
This feature will allow users to engage in real-time conversations with
speakers of other languages, with the AirPods and iPhone working together
to translate speech as it happens.

**How the Feature Works**
- When someone speaks in a foreign language, the AirPods will use their
microphones to capture the audio and send it to the connected iPhone.
- The iPhone will process the speech, translate it into the user's native
language, and play the translation live through the AirPods[1][3][5].
- The process works both ways: if the wearer responds in their own
language, the iPhone will translate and play the response out loud for the
other person via its speaker[2][3][5].
- This setup is designed to allow natural, two-way conversations without
either party needing to understand the other's language[1][2][3].

**Compatibility and Availability**
- The feature will be tied to iOS 19, expected to be announced at WWDC 2025
in June[1][4][5].
- While it is rumored that the upcoming AirPods Pro 3 will support live
translation, reports suggest the feature may also be available on some
existing AirPods models via a software update[1][2][5].
- The translation function will leverage Apple’s Translate app on the
iPhone, and improvements to this app are also expected as part of the iOS
19 update[1][5].

**Requirements and Limitations**
- It is not yet clear whether the translation will work entirely offline or
require an internet connection, though a reliable network may be necessary
to minimize lag[2][5].
- The number of supported languages and the full range of compatible
AirPods models have not been confirmed[9].

**Context and Industry Comparison**
- Apple is catching up to competitors: Google introduced similar live
translation features in its Pixel Buds as early as 2017[5][7].
- The move is part of a broader trend of making wearable devices more
useful for accessibility and daily communication[3][4].

In summary, Apple’s upcoming live translation feature for AirPods and iOS
19 promises to make cross-language conversations more seamless, potentially
bringing the Star Trek universal translator concept closer to
reality[1][2][4][5][7].

Sources
[1] AirPods Getting Live Translation Feature Later This Year - MacRumors
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/03/13/airpods-live-translation-ios-19/
[2] iOS 19 will offer yet another reason to wear AirPods all day long
https://9to5mac.com/2025/04/23/ios-19-will-offer-yet-another-reason-to-wear-airpods-all-day/
[3] Apple's AirPods Will Reportedly Get Live Translation With iOS 19
https://au.pcmag.com/headphones/110106/apples-airpods-will-reportedly-get-live-translation-with-ios-19
[4] Apple Plans AirPods Feature That Can Live-Translate Conversations
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-13/apple-plans-ios-19-feature-that-lets-airpods-live-translate-conversations
[5] AirPods to get live translation feature as part of iOS 19 update
https://www.macworld.com/article/2636989/airpods-to-get-live-translation-feature-as-part-of-ios-19-update.html
[6] Is the Universal Translator from Star Trek finally a reality? -
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/universal-translator-from-star-trek-finally-reality-pimenides
[7] Apple is reportedly bringing live translation to AirPods - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/news/629506/apple-airpods-live-translation-ios-19

Compiled by Perplexity AI 2025-04-25

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