AirPods Get Live Translation as Apple Plays Catch-Up with Google

In a move that significantly enhances its audio offerings, Apple announced that its new AirPods Pro 3 will feature live translation. This powerful update allows users to hear real-time translated conversations, breaking down language barriers on the go. The feature positions Apple to compete directly with Google, which introduced a similar capability for its Pixel Buds several years ago.
While the new ultra-thin iPhone Air captured much of the spotlight at the “awe-dropping” event, the AirPods update represents a major step forward in practical, AI-driven functionality. The new earbuds, priced at $249, also come with improved noise cancellation and are available in five adjustable earpiece sizes for a more customized fit. They are slated to hit stores on September 19.
The rest of the event focused on hardware refinements across Apple’s ecosystem. The headlining iPhone Air, at just 5.6mm thick, was presented as an engineering marvel. The broader iPhone 17 lineup received camera and performance upgrades, including a dual-filming mode that captures video from front and rear cameras simultaneously. The Apple Watch Series 11 was also unveiled, with new features aimed at detecting hypertension and improving sleep patterns.
Despite these hardware advancements, the conversation around Apple’s broader AI strategy remained muted. With last year’s promised Siri overhaul yet to appear, and scant mention of “Apple Intelligence,” the company appears to be focusing on tangible product features while it reportedly works on closing the gap with AI leaders like Google.