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With iOS 26 Live Translation, you can translate calls and messages in real time—breaking language barriers instantly and privately, right from your iPhone.
With iOS 26, Apple continues to push the boundaries of on-device intelligence by expanding the capabilities of Apple Intelligence. Among the most practical features introduced in iOS 26, Live Translation stands out for its ability to break language barriers in real-time—whether you’re texting, on a FaceTime video call, or having a phone conversation.
This post details what Live Translation is, how it works, and how to use it on an iPhone.
iOS 26 brings exciting updates to the Messages app, including personalized backgrounds, improved tapbacks, AI-powered replies, and Live Translation support. Live Translation is one of the flagship features of iOS 26, built directly into the Phone, Messages, and FaceTime apps on Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhones. It offers real-time, bidirectional translation of both spoken and written conversations. Whether you’re chatting via text or speaking with someone who uses a different language, your iPhone can now bridge the gap—instantly and privately.
Thanks to Apple-built models running entirely on-device, your conversations remain private. Not even Apple can access them, aligning perfectly with Apple’s strong stance on user privacy.
Before you jump into this futuristic feature, ensure you meet these key requirements:
Live Translation isn’t just another flashy AI feature—it solves a real-world problem. Here’s why it matters:
Live translation enables users to type messages in their native language, which are then rendered in the recipient’s language. FaceTime incorporates this feature by providing real-time translation during video calls. Additionally, for audio-only calls, it can translate and narrate the conversation aloud.
To use Live Translation in Messages, follow these steps:
Once done, any message you type in the conversation will automatically be translated to the detected or chosen language.
There’s no setup required. Live Translation activates automatically when Apple Intelligence detects the other person is speaking in a different language. The translation is narrated in real-time, making the conversation seamless.
Live Translation on FaceTime uses Live Captions to display translated text in real time. To enable:
Once enabled, you’ll see the translated captions during your FaceTime call.
Here’s a quick video on how the Live Translation feature works in Messages, FaceTime, and calls.
If Live Translation isn’t working as expected, use these troubleshooting tips:
Live Translation in iOS 26 turns your iPhone into a powerful real-time translator, directly integrated into the apps you use every day. Whether you’re connecting with family, traveling abroad, or working with global teams, this feature makes cross-language communication effortless—something once thought impossible.
Have you tried Live Translation on your iPhone yet? Drop your experience or questions in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
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