By Irishmirror.ie

Copyright irishmirror

Apple has unveiled AirPods that can provide live translation – but Irish users are set to miss out.

The AirPods Pro 3, which can provide live translation, were launched in September along with the tech giant’s new iPhone 17 line-up and will be available at £219 from Friday 19 September, although they can be pre-ordered.

They can translate English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish, while Italian, Japanese, Korean and a simplified version of Chinese are set to be on offer by the end of the year.

Apple has also rolled out iOS26 which has transformed how iPhones and iPods look and operate.

UK users can upgrade to iOS 26 by going to Settings > General > Software Update – but Apple said it could temporarily affect their devices’ battery life.

According to Apple, in order to ensure full functionality of your AirPods 3, users must ensure the iPhone paired with your AirPods has the latest version of iOS. AirPods 3 are compatible with iOS 15.1 or later.

Following the launch of its new AirPods, Apple’s website 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.”

This is because of regulation – specifically the EU’s Digital Markets Act – designed to stop the biggest tech firms dominating digital markets, and to give consumers and business more choice.

Apple is blocking the translation function in the EU because of the act’s “interoperability” requirements of its iOS system. However, it is understood the company is attempting to make the tool available as soon as possible.

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