Nina Raemont/ZDNET
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Live Translation translates a conversation through your AirPods.
It's available with AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and AirPods 4 with ANC.
It requires iOS 26 and an iPhone with Apple Intelligence.
One exciting feature that Apple touted at its iPhone 17 event on Sept. 9 was live translation for the new AirPods Pro 3. With this skill, you can hear words in another language translated into your own native tongue directly through your AirPods. If the other person also has the right AirPods and a compatible iPhone, you can both carry on a conversation hands-free. Otherwise, your own words pop up on your iPhone, translated into the other language for the other person to see and hear.
Also: Apple iPhone 17 event recap: Reactions to iPhone Air, Apple Watches, AirPods Pro 3, more
It sounds like a real game-changer. Since my wife and I like to travel abroad a couple of times a year, I'm looking forward to trying out Live Translation the next time we're in a foreign country. But for this to work, I have to meet a few requirements.
I need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence. I've got an iPhone 16 Pro. Check. I'll need to be running iOS 26. With the new OS set to arrive next Monday, I'll soon be able to upgrade my phone. Check. I assume I need the new AirPods Pro 3, as Apple appeared to indicate. I do plan to buy them, so that works out. Check.
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