Apple (AAPL.US) is reportedly set to introduce real-time translation for AirPods, potentially with the release of iOS 19, marking a significant step towards eliminating language barriers.

Apple AAPL is reportedly planning to introduce a new AirPods feature that will allow real-time translation of face-to-face conversations into another language. The feature will be part of an AirPods software update to be released later this year and will be tied to Apple's mobile device operating system iOS 19, according to sources familiar with the matter. Competitor headphones, such as Google's Pixel Buds, have had the feature for years. Apple has offered its own translation app on iPhones since 2020. The way the AirPods real-time translation is said to work: If an English speaker hears someone speaking Spanish, the iPhone will translate the voice into English and broadcast it to the user's AirPods. At the same time, the English speaker's words will be translated into Spanish and played by the iPhone. A spokesman for Apple declined to comment. The AirPods upgrade is part of a broader overhaul of Apple's software this year. Earlier this week, media reported that Apple is planning its biggest overhaul of iOS ever, aimed at updating the operating system for a new generation of users. Besides the new AirPods feature, Apple is also strengthening translation technology in iOS 19. Apple has steadily added new features to AirPods through software updates, meaning users don't need to buy new headphones to enjoy the enhancements. Last year, Apple introduced hearing-health-related features in the second-generation AirPods Pro, including hearing aids and a test feature. The company is still developing new AirPods hardware, including the third-generation AirPods Pro. It is also developing AirPods with an integrated camera that uses artificial intelligence to analyze the environment. Last year, Apple introduced new colors for the AirPods Max headphones and the lower-end AirPods 4 model.