Google Gemini’s Headphone Live Translation Arrives on Apple Devices

Google’s live translation, a major selling point for newer Apple AirPods, is now available on Apple devices and can be used with any headphones.

The feature, which uses Gemini AI, was introduced in a beta version in December with the ability to translate 70 languages, but it was only available on Android devices. The continued rollout is also making the feature available in more countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Thailand and the UK, according to Google.

A representative for Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The translation is done on the mobile device, so users can access the audio with any headphones connected to the phone or tablet, including those plugged in via a headphone dongle or headphone jack.

To access the feature, open the Google Translate app, tap the Live Translate icon at the bottom of the screen and choose from modes such as Listening, Conversation, Text Only or Custom Settings. Conversation does two-way translation, playing audio on the phone’s speaker or connected headphones. The app automatically detects languages. There’s also a Face-to-Face mode that splits the screen to show each speaker a transcription and translation in their own language.