Apple Blocks AirPods Real-Time Translation in the EU

Apple is blocking access to the real-time translation feature on the AirPods Pro 3 in the European Union. The iPhone-maker decided to disable the feature due to the European Commission’s findings in March under its Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The March decision stated Apple is required to make some functions interoperable with competitors’ devices. Apple stated that other legal requirements around user data protection were not a factor in its decision to block the translation feature. Its support page states 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.

Real-time translation on the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Pro 2 requires an iPhone with Apple Intelligence running iOS 26, which is available on 15 September. The new AirPods 3 are scheduled to ship on 19 September. Last year, Apple withheld the release of new features such as its Apple Intelligence generative AI tools across the EU due to regulatory concerns over the bloc’s DMA rules.

A representative for the European Commission said that the move is a unilateral decision by Apple. “The EC has not been consulted, and we are not able to understand the nature of Apple’s concerns. The DMA does not impede the launch of new products in EU markets. To the contrary, it preserves innovation and freedom of choice.”