Apple adds Live Translation to FaceTime and phone calls

Apple has announced a new Live Translation feature coming to its 2026 software updates for iPhone, iPad and Mac.

The headline new Apple Intelligence feature for this cycle, revealed at WWDC 2025, brings live language translation to apps like Messages, FaceTime and Phone in iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 Tahoe.

During FaceTime calls, for instance, you’ll see a text translation in real time appear above the speaker. While you’re making a phone call you’ll see the original transcription above the text translation in your chosen language, while an AI will also speak a translation of the call in the new language.

In the Messages app, chat bubbles are also automatically translated with users able to customise the language being translated. It’ll work in group chat on iPad and for the Messages app in watchOS 26 if you have a iPhone supporting Apple Intelligence.

Interestingly, Apple says the feature will work even if you’re communicating with someone who isn’t using an Apple device, so it’ll work with Android users too.

Apple says the translation is handled by models Apple has built. They’ll stay on the device meaning the contents of calls and messages are never shared beyond your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

With Google and Samsung already offering AI-powered Live Translation, this was a feature Apple had to get to this year.

Apple’s new tool isn’t quite as powerful as what we saw from Google at I/O last month. The Gemini-powered tool can translate a Meet video call in real time and repeat the utterances back in a different language while attempting to maintain the user’s native tongue.

Google also showcased a demonstration of how Android XR glasses could translate between two people walking along and having a conversation in different languages.

While Apple’s interpretation of Live Translation is nowhere near as advanced, at least Apple can now say it’ll have its interpretation of the feature available to users within the next release cycle.

Apple’s previous Live Translation features have been available through the camera app, enabling users to point their lens at a menu or sign to see the translation. The Safari browser also has a powerful translation button.

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