Apple enables Live Translation in Europe with iOS 26.2
Good news for European AirPods users: after a long delay due to regulations, Apple is set to activate the Live Translation feature in the European Union next month.
This feature will be included in the iOS 26.2 update, currently available in beta for developers, and is expected to be released in stable form in December 2025.
Live Translation: A Delayed Launch in iOS 26.2 Due to European Law
During the announcement of the iPhone 17 in September, Apple introduced Live Translation as one of the standout features of iOS 26—however, it was not available in the EU at launch.
The company now explains that this delay was caused by “additional engineering work needed to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA),” a major European law aimed at regulating tech giants.
Why the Delay?
The DMA imposes strict rules on interoperability and data processing between ecosystems. Live Translation, which utilizes Apple Intelligence and handles voice data in real-time, required modifications to ensure that translated conversations would not be stored or processed outside Brussels’ standards.
While Apple has not detailed the technical changes made, the company reportedly “adjusted the voice processing flow” to meet DMA requirements without compromising performance.
One of the Best New Features of Modern AirPods
Launched with the AirPods Pro 3, the Live Translation feature is also compatible with the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 (with active noise cancellation). It also requires an iPhone equipped with Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro or newer) and the iOS 26.2 update.
Here’s what Live Translation enables:
- Real-time voice translation directly in the earbuds;
- Live display of translated text on the iPhone screen;
- Two-way conversation mode for understanding and responding without interrupting the exchange.
For example, a user speaking French can hear the translation of a Japanese speaker in real-time through their AirPods, while their iPhone displays the corresponding text in both languages.
The Digital Markets Act: A Challenge… But Not an Obstacle
Apple has often criticized European regulation, even delaying or disabling certain features in the EU (like NameDrop or Apple Intelligence at launch). However, this gradual rollout of Live Translation proves that it’s possible to balance innovation with compliance.
After several tensions regarding the restrictions imposed by the DMA, Apple’s move sends a positive signal: it is now willing to adapt its innovations to Europe rather than block them.
For users, this means the ability to converse in multiple languages in real-time… without having to take their iPhone out of their pocket.
