AirPods Live Translation Delayed in EU, But It’ll Work for Americans on Vacation

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The AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4 with ANC get a new skill next week: real-time conversation translations between English, French, German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish.

The feature was unveiled during this week’s iPhone event, and will roll out as part of the iOS 26 release on Sept. 15, provided you have an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. Now, Apple has confirmed there’s another limitation: It won’t be available for those in the European Union at first.

A feature availability statement on Apple’s website says, “Live Translation with AirPods is not available if you are in the EU and your Apple Account Country or Region is also in the EU.”

Live Translations displayed on the iPhone. (Credit: Apple/Screenshot by PCMag)

Apple doesn’t elaborate, but it has delayed certain features amid concerns about violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple Intelligence, for example, launched in the US in October 2024, but didn’t land in the EU until March. The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act also goes into effect next year, with various rules on AI transparency.

Apple often notes when it’s going through a verification process for certain products, like awaiting FDA approval on hypertension notifications for the Apple Watch. That hasn’t happened here, though, so the Live Translation rollout for the EU might take a while.

What does this mean for your next European vacation? Those traveling from the United States to Europe will be able to use the feature, as this is only a restriction for people from the EU. So, if you have a fall getaway to France, Germany, or Spain on the calendar, you should be able to use Live Translation to talk to people.

Support for Chinese (simplified), Italian, Japanese, and Korean is expected later this year.

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About James Peckham

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I’ve been a journalist for over a decade after getting my start in tech reporting back in 2013. I joined PCMag in 2025, where I cover the latest developments across the tech sphere, writing about the gadgets and services you use every day. Be sure to send me any tips you think PCMag would be interested in.

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