Tested: Live Translation

It’s not quite the Babel fish, but it’s a step in that direction.

Like Douglas Adams’ fictional fish that serves as a universal translator, AirPods can now translate between several different languages.

Pop your compatible AirPods into your ears, and they’ll translate someone speaking in a foreign language — in real time. (The feature works with AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3, as well as AirPods 4 with ANC.)

We put Live Translation to the test, and found the feature is a pretty amazing step into the future — for the most part.

Will Live Translation lead to universal harmony and peace, though? Douglas Adams, somewhat of a cynic, might not think so. He wrote:

"The poor Babel fish, by effectively removing all barriers to communication between different races and cultures, has caused more and bloodier wars than anything else in the history of creation."

Sounds like the internet, tbh.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Here’s what to expect from Apple’s next product launch event, likely coming later this month — if it’s an actual event at all.
Jony Ive and Sam Altman’s new AI-driven gadget that’s being hyped as a potential iPhone killer is running into some of the same hurdles that doomed Humane, another startup created by ex-Apple alumni.
This is a good deal on AirPods Max, Apple’s premium noise-canceling over-ear headphones. But if simple earbuds are more to your liking, you can’t beat this rock-bottom price on AirPods 4.
The socials seem to be going bananas for this iPhone Air mod that replaces the back with clear glass. Personally, I think it’s ugly. Plus, the hack sacrificed MagSafe. The whole thing would be better as a simple sticker.
Readers of this newsletter are not fans of OpenAI’s new Sora app by a very big margin. See the results from last Friday’s poll below.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Live Translation with AirPods: A hands-on test

The new AirPods feature grabbed headlines when Apple announced it. We set up an AirPods Live Translation test to see how well it works.

What to expect at Apple‘s October product-launch event

Here’s what rumors tell us about a possible Apple October event, with a new iPad and MacBook supposedly on the agenda, and maybe more.

OpenAI struggles to create its iPhone killer

OpenAI encounters hurdles while developing an AI companion that potentially could be a new rival for iPhone and Android.

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AirPods 4 deal drops Apple earbuds to rock-bottom price

Discover incredible AirPods deals with prices as low as $90 for Apple’s best earbuds. Upgrade your audio experience today!

Second iOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1 betas go out to devs

Apple seeded the second beta versions of iOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1 to developers, continuing a testing process that’ll go on for weeks.

iPhone 17 ends Apple dry spell in China

Apple reportedly sees strong demand for the iPhone 17 in China, with sales far outpacing those of the iPhone 16.

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Price drop: Save $120 on AirPods Max while you can

Here's your chance to get a wicked deal on AirPods Max with USB-C, Apple's noise-canceling over-ear headphones.

iPhone Air gets a gorgeous transparent makeover

A custom transparent back mod gives the iPhone Air a bold new look while highlighting Apple’s meticulous internal design

What's with all the crazy Apple leaks?!? [The CultCast]

This week on Cult of Mac's podcast: The FCC leaks secret Apple info and Russian YouTubers get their hands on unreleased iPad Pros. What's up?

Today in Apple history: Michael Dell says he'd shut down Apple

On October 6, 1997, Michael Dell uttered an infamous quote about Apple's fortunes, saying he would shut down the company completely.

Cult of Mac’s buyback program

We pay top dollar for used Apple gear

Sell your old iPhone, iPad, MacBook and more through Cult of Mac. Free shipping, fast payment!

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Drowning in Details? Here’s Your Life Raft.

Stop doing it all. Start leading again. BELAY has helped thousands of leaders delegate the details and get back to what matters most.

Access the next phase of growth with BELAY’s resource Delegate to Elevate.

Download BELAY’s eBook!

Tweets of the day

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One more thing ...

❝

Keep looking. Don’t settle.

— Steve Jobs, 2005.

Today’s poll

Will you try AirPods' Live Translation in the real world?

Results from last Friday’s poll: Have you tried OpenAI's Sora app yet?

Best reader comments

Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.