iOS 26.1 Brings Live Translation to AirPods with New Languages

iOS 26.1 Update Expands Apple Intelligence to New Global Languages.Apple’s latest software update, iOS 26.1, is now rolling out to developers. It significantly expands the language support for Apple Intelligence. This move brings the AI features to millions more users worldwide.The update adds support for eight new languages. This includes Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, and Swedish. It also adds Portuguese from Portugal, Turkish, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese.

Broadening the Reach of On-Device AI

According to Bloomberg, this expansion was a key part of Apple’s roadmap. The company had pledged to make its AI tools more accessible following the initial launch. The initial release supported major languages like English, Spanish, and JapaneseThe new language options mean more people can use features like Writing Tools and Image Playground. These tools help with rewriting text or generating images. Support for local dialects improves the accuracy and nuance of these AI-driven functions.This update makes Apple Intelligence more competitive globally. Other tech giants are also racing to support a wide array of languages. Apple’s focus on on-device processing remains a key selling point for user privacy.

Enhanced Translation Capabilities for Travelers

iOS 26.1 also improves the Live Translation feature for AirPods. It now supports Japanese, Korean, Italian, and both Traditional and Simplified Chinese. This turns the earbuds into a powerful real-time interpreter.The feature is particularly useful for business travelers and tourists. It allows for more natural conversations without constantly looking at a phone screen. The expansion covers some of the world’s most spoken languages.This broader support strengthens Apple’s ecosystem appeal. It encourages users to stay within Apple’s product family for a seamless experience. The update is currently in developer beta.Public beta testers will likely get access in the coming weeks. A final public release is expected later this fall.

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The iOS 26.1 update marks a significant step in Apple’s plan to make Apple Intelligence a truly global platform. This expansion directly addresses the need for inclusive technology that serves diverse user bases across the globe.

Info at your fingertips

When will iOS 26.1 be available to everyone?

It is in developer beta now. A public beta should follow soon. The final version is expected in a few weeks.

Which new languages does Apple Intelligence now support?

The update adds Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish, Turkish, Portuguese (Portugal), Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese. This is in addition to the languages already supported.

What is AirPods Live Translation?

It is a feature that uses your AirPods to translate spoken conversations in real time. The new update adds several major languages to its capabilities.

Do I need new AirPods for the translation feature?

No. The Live Translation feature works with supported AirPods models through the software update. It does not require new hardware.

Why is language expansion important for AI?

Broad language support makes technology accessible to more people. It ensures the AI understands cultural context and local nuances for better results.