Apple recently released iOS 26 Beta 6， which includes an image file hinting at a practical new feature for AirPods: real-time face-to-face translation.
This image file was discovered within the translation app’s files in the latest beta. The image depicts AirPods with “Hello” labeled in multiple languages， and a prompt indicating that the feature can be activated with a double-tap.
Upon official launch， users should be able to quickly initiate real-time translation through gesture controls.
Notably， prior to the official release of iOS 26， prominent reporter Mark Gurman had already revealed that AirPods would gain a translation function for face-to-face conversations. This suggests that Apple is diligently preparing for this integration， and the feature is expected to be rolled out either with the official iOS 26 release or in a subsequent update.
Based on the discovered image information， it is speculated that both AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 will support this functionality.
However， it’s important to note that the implementation of this feature might require a companion iPhone device that supports Apple Intelligence technology. Furthermore， it’s possible that the feature will not be available in the Chinese domestic version initially.
