Apple may soon give AirPods a game-changing upgrade – live translation of real-world conversations. Hidden in the iOS 26 beta code, a new system gesture hints at this long-rumored feature finally making its debut.
The gesture, found in the sixth beta, involves pressing both AirPod stems simultaneously, potentially triggering instant language translation directly through the earbuds.
While Apple announced Live Translation back in June 2025, it has so far only worked in phone calls and Messages on iPhones with Apple Intelligence support. AirPods have yet to gain the ability to translate in-person chats, but this discovery suggests that the AirPods Pro 2 and upcoming AirPods 4 could be the first to get it.
If launched, Live Translation will likely require newer Apple devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro, iPads with Apple Intelligence, or Macs powered by M1 or newer Apple Silicon chips. This integration could make cross-language conversations far smoother than Apple’s current Translate app, which is functional but clunky in comparison.
Apple’s rivals have already made moves in this space – Samsung’s Live Translate works with One UI 6.1 or later, and Google’s Pixel Buds feature a Conversation Mode. Bringing similar capabilities to AirPods would help Apple close the gap while adding its own polish to the experience.
From a traveler’s perspective, or for anyone who interacts with people across different languages, this could be revolutionary. Real-time translation without pulling out your phone could make everything from ordering dinner abroad to closing an international deal effortless. If Apple nails the execution, AirPods might just become the ultimate global communication tool.