Description

Seamless Communication: How to Use Live Translation on iPhone 🗣️

With the introduction of Apple Intelligence on supported iPhone models, Apple has debuted Live Translation in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, making cross-language communication easier than ever. This powerful feature allows you to translate messages, phone calls, FaceTime video chats, and even in-person conversations.

Here is your guide on how to start using Live Translation across your device.

1. Live Translation in Messages

You can set up Live Translation to automatically translate text messages in a conversation:

• Enable Translation: In a Messages conversation, tap your contact’s name at the top of the screen [00:34]. Scroll down and tap to turn on “automatically translate messages” [00:45].
• Select Language: Messages might automatically suggest a language based on the chat, or you can tap “choose other language” to select the one you need to translate from [00:58].
• Translate in Real-Time: As you type your message, the translation will appear immediately above the text field [01:14]. When you hit send, your contact receives both your original message and the translation. Any messages you receive are also translated into your preferred language [01:24].

2. Live Translation on a Phone Call 📞

Live Translation allows for real-time, spoken translation during standard phone calls:

• Initiate Translation: During an active call in the Phone app, tap “more” and then tap “Live Translation” [01:48].
  • Note: If you’re not already on speaker or using headphones, the call will automatically switch to speaker mode [01:52].
• Start the Service: Select the language you need to translate from if it’s not already chosen, and then tap “Start Translation” [02:05]. Both parties on the call will be alerted that the translation has begun [02:18].
• Communicate: As you speak, Live Translation provides a spoken translation for the other person. Likewise, their response is translated back for you. You can also follow along with an on-screen transcription of the conversation [02:39].

3. Live Translation in FaceTime

During a FaceTime video call, Live Translation uses captions to bridge the language gap:

• Activate: While on a FaceTime video call, tap “more” and then select “Live Translation” [02:52].
• Set Language: Tap “choose language” and select the language you are translating from [03:00].
• Start Captions: Tap “Start Translation” [03:09]. As your friend or family member speaks, translated live captions will appear on your screen [03:34].

4. Live Translation for In-Person Conversations (with AirPods)

For face-to-face communication, you can use the Translate app with supported AirPods to facilitate conversations:

• Requirements: This feature works with AirPods Pro (2nd generation) or later and AirPods (4th generation) with active noise cancellation. Ensure your AirPods are running the latest firmware and you have the Translate app installed on your iPhone [03:55].
• Start Live Session: Open the Translate app and tap “Live” [04:24]. Tap “Set up Live Translation,” select your language, tap “Done,” and then “Start Translation” [04:35].
• Automatic Translation: Live Translation will automatically listen to and translate the conversation happening around you, providing both an on-screen transcription and a spoken translation in your AirPods [04:48].

Key Takeaway

Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, allows you to communicate across language barriers seamlessly. It is available in beta in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and Mac OS Tahoe [05:28].

Source: How to use Live Translation on iPhone | Apple Support