Apple plans to introduce a real-time translation feature in AirPods. According to Bloomberg News, this upgrade is expected to provide an experience similar to the seamless communication between humans and alien species in the movie Star Trek.
Through the new feature, when an English speaker hears someone speaking Spanish, the iPhone will translate this in real-time and deliver it through the AirPods. Simultaneously, what the English speaker says will also be translated into Spanish and played back on the other person's iPhone. This is part of a significant overhaul of iOS 19 that Apple is preparing, suggesting that translation technology will be further enhanced.
While Google Pixel Buds and Apple's own translation app have offered similar features, this update supports two-way real-time translation through AirPods, showcasing a more advanced technology.
Apple has continued to update the AirPods software. Last year, the second-generation AirPods Pro added hearing aid and hearing test features, and it is expected that the third-generation AirPods Pro will include a feature that analyzes the surrounding environment through an AI-based camera.
The addition of this translation feature reflects Apple's enhancement of AI technology, showing that with iOS 19, AirPods are evolving from simple wireless earbuds to a digital assistant equipped with real-time translation and smart functionalities.