Apple Restricts Live Translation Feature on AirPods Across European Union Markets

Apple has taken the significant step of blocking its newly introduced live translation tool on AirPods for users across the European Union, placing a spotlight on the ongoing tensions between US technology firms and increasingly robust digital regulations enforced by the bloc.

The live translation feature, promoted as a gamechanger for seamless international communication, enables AirPods users to interpret conversations in multiple languages such as French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish in real time. While available to users in the United Kingdom and accessible for British travellers in Europe, the feature will not be unlocked for those with Apple accounts registered within EU boundaries. Apple’s website confirmed, “Live Translation with AirPods is not available if you are in the EU and your Apple account country or region is also in the EU.”

The decision was announced alongside the unveiling of the next generation AirPods Pro 3, which showcase powerful artificial intelligence integration. This technology links the headphones directly to Apple’s AI software, allowing for real time bilingual conversations and even providing users with on screen translations of their own speech via their iPhone. Apple had introduced an array of AI powered features to its iPhone range last summer; however, full European rollout was deferred until March, attributed to compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Apple has voiced strong concerns regarding the DMA requirements, which demand greater interoperability and compel major technology firms to open their platforms to rivals. Apple maintains these measures threaten data privacy and could compromise user security by necessitating access to sensitive system features. The company issued a statement criticising the rules for potentially undermining product integrity and exposing user information, including location data, to competitors.

Global technology businesses have encountered similar regulatory hurdles and some have opted to delay or restrict the deployment of innovative AI tools within Europe to mitigate legal risks. Penalties for noncompliance with the EU’s new digital regulations could stretch into the billions of euros. The company recently likened the regulatory environment in the UK to an “EU style” strategy, warning that such measures could harm users, developers and the capacity to protect proprietary technologies.

This move by Apple underscores the increasingly fraught relationship between major technology providers and European lawmakers striving to enhance competition and consumer protection, often at the expense of rapid innovation. As the regulatory landscape evolves, market participants and consumers alike will be watching closely to gauge the long term impact on technology availability and digital rights within the EU.