Apple is reportedly working on bringing live translation to its AirPods, a feature that will enable users to translate conversations in real-time. According to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the feature will be "tied" to the forthcoming iOS 19, and will allow users to translate conversations from one language to another.

This development puts Apple in line with other companies that have already introduced live translation to their wearable devices. Google, for instance, has supported live translations on its Pixel Buds since 2017, and later expanded the feature to the Pixel Buds Pro in 2022. Other companies, such as Meta and Humane, have also attempted to introduce live translation to their wearables, although the results have been inconsistent.

As described by Gurman, the feature will work by playing a translated version of the speech into the user's AirPods. For example, if a user is speaking with someone in Spanish, the feature will translate the conversation into English in real-time, allowing the user to understand what is being said. When the user responds, their iPhone will then play the Spanish translation from its speakers.

Apple has not yet commented on the report, but the development is part of the company's broader efforts to enhance its wearable devices. Last week, Apple announced that it was delaying its AI-upgraded Siri, citing that it would take longer than expected to deliver on the features. The company is also planning to overhaul the design of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS this year, according to Gurman.

The introduction of live translation to AirPods has significant implications for users who frequently communicate with people who speak different languages. It could also have broader implications for the wearables industry as a whole, as companies continue to explore new ways to enhance the functionality of their devices.

While Apple is playing catch-up with other companies in terms of live translation, the feature's integration with iOS 19 could provide a seamless user experience. As the wearables market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Apple's live translation feature compares to those offered by its competitors.