Apple's new Live Translation feature for AirPods will not be available in the European Union or for users with EU-region Apple Accounts, likely due to EU regulations affecting feature deployment.

This restriction aligns with Apple's broader strategy of regulatory compliance to avoid potential fines under EU law, especially as the full enforcement of the AI Act is anticipated in 2025.

The restriction occurs amid escalating US-EU trade tensions, with former US President Donald Trump threatening investigations over EU fines against American tech giants like Apple and Google, claiming unfair treatment.

Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3, priced at 245 Euros, feature improved sound quality, better fit, enhanced active noise cancellation, pulse measurement, and a variety of silicone tips for comfort.

The EU’s evolving regulatory landscape continues to influence how tech companies deploy advanced AI features, reflecting ongoing tensions between innovation and compliance.

This regulatory restriction leads to inconsistent usability; for example, an American in Spain can use the feature, but a German in France cannot, illustrating the regional disparities.

While Apple faces limitations in the EU, competitors such as Google’s Pixel Buds already offer live translation features within the region, highlighting differing regulatory environments.

Other companies like Google and Samsung have implemented similar translation features, often using cloud processing, which raises different privacy considerations compared to Apple’s on-device AI approach.

The absence of the feature in the EU is seen as a missed opportunity for cross-cultural communication and business, emphasizing the challenge of balancing innovation with regulatory adherence.

Apple states that the delay is due to interoperability requirements under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), rather than concerns over user data protection.

The feature's launch coincides with the release of the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, with the firmware update expected to roll out alongside iOS 26 on September 15.

Apple’s promotional materials highlight the Live Translation feature in the UK but omit it in German-language releases, indicating selective marketing.