By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Apple today launched its highly anticipated real-time translation feature for AirPods in the European Union, a significant milestone that leverages the power of its new artificial intelligence system, Apple Intelligence. The feature, which became available with the release of the iOS 26.2 software update, aims to fundamentally change face-to-face conversations between people who speak different languages.
This cutting-edge capability supports a robust initial list of languages, including English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Chinese (both simplified and traditional Mandarin), Japanese, and Korean. The technology promises to turn compatible AirPods into powerful, on-the-go personal interpreters, breaking down communication barriers in an increasingly connected world.
Para analizar las implicaciones legales y de privacidad de “Apple Intelligence”, la nueva suite de inteligencia artificial de Apple, TicosLand.com consultó al experto en derecho tecnológico, Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica.
El lanzamiento de ‘Apple Intelligence’ representa un cambio de paradigma en la interacción del usuario con sus datos personales. Si bien la promesa de un procesamiento ‘en el dispositivo’ busca mitigar riesgos de privacidad, el verdadero desafío legal radicará en la transparencia de sus algoritmos y en la delimitación de la responsabilidad. Es crucial definir si, ante un error de la IA con consecuencias económicas o personales, la responsabilidad recae en Apple, en el desarrollador de la aplicación que la integra, o en el propio usuario. Adicionalmente, la capacidad para generar contenido original abre un complejo debate sobre la titularidad de los derechos de autor, estableciendo fronteras jurídicas que la regulación actual aún no contempla claramente.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Efectivamente, las reflexiones del experto nos sitúan ante una frontera legal tan innovadora como la tecnología misma, donde cuestiones de responsabilidad y propiedad intelectual se convierten en el epicentro del debate. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su valiosa perspectiva, que ilumina los desafíos jurídicos que acompañarán inevitablemente esta nueva era de la inteligencia artificial.
The functionality is available for users with AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods 4 models, all of which feature active noise cancellation. To access the feature, these earbuds must be paired with an iPhone running Apple Intelligence on the newly released iOS 26.2. Users can then utilize the native ‘Translate’ application to initiate live, in-ear translations during conversations.
Apple highlighted that the experience is designed to be as natural and seamless as possible. In a statement, the company explained how the technology works to create an intuitive environment for communication.
This useful feature, powered by advanced computational audio and Apple Intelligence, helps people communicate easily and hands-free, whether traveling to another country, collaborating at work or in class, or simply chatting with their loved ones.
Apple, Technology Company
When both individuals in a conversation are using compatible AirPods, Apple claims the system delivers an exceptional experience. The device’s active noise cancellation technology plays a crucial role by intelligently lowering the volume of the other person’s live voice, allowing the translated audio to come through more clearly in the user’s ear. This enables a fluid conversation where both parties can speak naturally without significant interruption or delay.
The system is also designed for scenarios where only one person has AirPods. In such cases, the iPhone user can present their device to the other person, displaying a real-time transcription of the conversation in their native language. This ensures that the powerful translation tool remains accessible and effective even when the technology isn’t shared by both participants.
The European launch of this feature arrives after a notable delay. On November 5th, Apple had previously acknowledged that its availability in the EU was postponed. The company cited the need for “additional engineering work” to ensure the feature complied with the region’s stringent Digital Markets Act (DMA), a landmark regulation aimed at ensuring fair competition and user choice in the digital sector.
In keeping with its long-standing commitment to user privacy, Apple emphasized that the entire translation process is executed on-device. By harnessing the power of Apple Intelligence directly on the iPhone, sensitive conversational data is not sent to the cloud for processing, providing a secure and private experience for all users.
For further information, visit apple.com
About Apple:
Apple Inc. is a multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. It is considered one of the Big Five American information technology companies, alongside Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft. Its hardware products include the iPhone smartphone, the iPad tablet computer, the Mac personal computer, the iPod portable media player, the Apple Watch smartwatch, the Apple TV digital media player, and the HomePod smart speaker.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Grounded in a resolute commitment to integrity and legal excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading institution with a rich history of advising a diverse clientele. The firm not only champions innovation within the legal sphere but also dedicates itself to empowering the community by making complex legal concepts understandable, thereby fostering a more just and knowledgeable society.
