Apple’s much-anticipated “Awe Dropping” event on September 9, 2025, introduced the AirPods Pro 3, packed with innovative features like heart rate monitoring. However, a significant limitation has emerged: the exciting Live Translation feature will not be available for users in the European Union (EU) or those with EU-based Apple accounts. Let’s dive into what this means, how Live Translation works, which AirPods support it, and why EU restrictions might be at play—perfect for tech enthusiasts seeking the latest audio upgrades.
Published: September 11, 2025 | 6 min read | Updated: 09:03 PM IST
Why Live Translation Is Missing in the EU
Apple’s official website confirms that Live Translation, a standout Apple Intelligence feature, is unavailable for EU residents or those with EU Apple IDs. While Apple hasn’t disclosed a specific reason, speculation points to the EU’s stringent data privacy laws, notably the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Artificial Intelligence Act. These regulations impose rigorous standards on how AI-driven speech and translation services handle user data, potentially requiring on-device processing and local data storage—challenges Apple may still be addressing.
The company might be collaborating with EU regulators to ensure compliance, but no official timeline or confirmation has been shared. This exclusion has sparked debates about balancing innovation with privacy, leaving EU users curious about future availability.
What Is AirPods Live Translation?
Live Translation is a groundbreaking addition powered by Apple Intelligence, designed to break language barriers in real-time. Here’s how it enhances communication:
- Real-Time Translation: The AI instantly translates a speaker’s language into the user’s preferred language, delivered directly through the AirPods.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): ANC mutes the original speaker’s voice, ensuring clear translation audio, creating an immersive experience.
- Hands-Free Conversations: When both parties wear compatible AirPods, seamless two-way translation occurs, ideal for travel or multilingual settings.
- iPhone Transcription: For non-AirPods users, the iPhone displays and reads aloud real-time transcriptions, making it versatile for mixed scenarios.
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This feature transforms AirPods into a travel companion, offering convenience for international meetings or casual chats abroad.
Which AirPods Support Live Translation?
The Live Translation feature isn’t exclusive to the new AirPods Pro 3. Apple has extended compatibility to older models, provided they meet specific requirements:
- Supported Models: AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation).
- Hardware Requirement: The H2 chip, present in all these models, powers the feature.
- iPhone Compatibility: Users need an iPhone supporting Apple Intelligence (e.g., iPhone 15 Pro or later) running iOS 26, launching on September 15, 2025.
This broad compatibility ensures existing AirPods owners can enjoy the feature with a software update, reducing the need for an immediate upgrade.
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Available Languages for Live Translation
Currently, Live Translation supports a select group of languages, with plans for expansion:
- Launch Languages: English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
- Upcoming Additions: Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) are slated for release by late 2025.
- Indian Languages: No timeline has been announced for Hindi or other regional languages, leaving Indian users awaiting updates.
This phased rollout reflects Apple’s strategy to refine the feature before adding more languages, though the lack of Indian language support may disappoint local markets.
Is the AirPods Pro 3 Worth It Without Live Translation?
The AirPods Pro 3 bring impressive upgrades beyond Live Translation, including:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: A first for AirPods, syncing with the Fitness app for workout tracking.
- Enhanced ANC: Twice the noise cancellation of AirPods Pro 2, perfect for immersive audio.
- Design & Fit: Smaller earbuds with five foam tip sizes for better comfort.
For EU users, the absence of Live Translation might not be a dealbreaker, given these advancements. Pre-orders start today, with availability from September 19, 2025, priced at $249.
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Final Verdict: A Feature-Rich Upgrade with Regional Limits
The AirPods Pro 3 mark a leap forward in Apple’s audio lineup, with heart rate monitoring and superior ANC appealing to fitness buffs and audiophiles. However, the exclusion of Live Translation in the EU due to GDPR and AI Act regulations highlights the tension between innovation and privacy compliance. Non-EU users can enjoy this futuristic feature, while EU customers may need to wait or rely on third-party apps like Google Translate.
Ready to explore? Visit Apple’s official site for pre-order details or check local deals!