iOS 26.1 Brings Live Translation to AirPods with New Languages
Apple is rolling out iOS 26.1 to developers, and it’s a meaningful step forward for Apple Intelligence. The update expands language support and boosts on-the-go communication with enhanced Live Translation for AirPods, widening access to Apple’s AI features and tightening ecosystem integration.
Apple Intelligence adds eight new languages
iOS 26.1 brings Apple Intelligence to millions more users by introducing support for eight additional languages. Newly supported languages include:
- Danish
- Dutch
- Norwegian
- Swedish
- Portuguese (Portugal)
- Turkish
- Traditional Chinese
- Vietnamese
These build on the initial rollout, which covered major languages such as English, Spanish, and Japanese. The broader language lineup means more users can tap into Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools and Image Playground, whether it’s rewriting emails with clearer tone, drafting summaries, or generating on-brand visuals. Support for local nuances and dialects is a key focus, aiming to improve accuracy and make AI-assisted features feel more natural across regions.
Apple’s emphasis on on-device processing remains a standout, providing speed and privacy advantages by keeping sensitive tasks local whenever possible. With rivals racing to scale multilingual AI, this expansion helps Apple remain competitive globally while reinforcing its privacy-centered approach.
Live Translation on AirPods gets new languages
iOS 26.1 also upgrades Live Translation for AirPods, turning Apple’s earbuds into more capable real-time interpreters. The feature now supports:
- Japanese
- Korean
- Italian
- Traditional Chinese
- Simplified Chinese
For business travelers, students, and tourists, this means more natural conversations without constantly checking a phone screen. Whether navigating a meeting abroad or ordering dinner in a new city, Live Translation in your ears reduces friction and keeps conversations flowing. The addition of some of the world’s most widely spoken languages significantly broadens the feature’s usefulness.
Why it matters
- Wider access: More users can fully experience Apple Intelligence’s writing and image features in their native languages.
- Privacy by design: On-device processing continues to be a core differentiator for sensitive tasks.
- Ecosystem value: AirPods become more than audio devices, deepening the appeal of staying within Apple’s hardware and software family.
Availability and what’s next
The iOS 26.1 update is available now in developer beta. Public beta access is expected in the coming weeks, with a general release slated for later this fall. As rollout progresses, expect Apple to refine language models, improve translation quality, and further optimize on-device performance.
For users and organizations operating across languages, iOS 26.1 is a practical upgrade—expanding Apple Intelligence’s reach while making AirPods a smarter travel companion.
