Apple adds Live Translations in Germany; Google quickly expands live-translation AI

Apple rolled out on‑device Live Translations to iPhones in Germany with iOS 26.2, letting users get real‑time spoken translations directly on their device. The feature aims to make cross‑language conversations smoother while keeping processing local to the phone for improved privacy.

Within days, Google responded by significantly expanding its own live translation offerings, sharpening the competitive edge in real‑time translation services. Google’s push highlights the race between big tech firms to own the most capable and convenient translation tools—balancing accuracy, latency and privacy.

Key differences to watch

• On‑device vs cloud: Apple emphasizes on‑device processing (privacy, offline use); Google often relies on cloud models that can offer broader language coverage and rapid updates.
• Availability: Apple’s Live Translations initially launched in Germany with iOS 26.2; Google’s expansion aims to widen support across devices and regions.
• Use cases: Live conversation translation, travel assistance, and accessibility features for multilingual households or workplaces.

Why it matters

Real‑time translation is moving from novelty to everyday utility. On‑device models reduce latency and protect user data, while cloud‑based approaches can leverage larger models and datasets for more fluent or nuanced translations. The competition between Apple and Google should accelerate improvements, but it also raises questions about data handling, model transparency and which approach users will prefer.

For users deciding between the two, consider where you most need translations (offline travel vs. always‑online settings), how much you value local privacy, and which languages and contexts each tool supports best.

Discussion: Would you pick Apple’s on‑device Live Translations for privacy and offline use, or Google’s expanded cloud approach for broader coverage and updates? What trade‑offs matter most to you?