Apple unveiled the AirPods Pro 3, earbuds featuring real-time live translation, during the iPhone 17 launch event on September 9, 2025, in Cupertino, California. Powered by Apple Intelligence, the feature supports translation in five languages, including Brazilian Portuguese, with plans to expand to four more by year-end. Available also on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with noise cancellation, the function requires compatible iPhones, starting from the iPhone 15 Pro. Priced at R$ 2,699 in Brazil, the earbuds include a heart rate sensor and IP57 water and sweat resistance. The live translation stands out as a key feature, enabling seamless global interactions.
The innovation was showcased at Apple’s annual event, attended by journalists, experts, and tech enthusiasts. The company demonstrated the feature in practical scenarios, such as a conversation between English and Portuguese speakers.
- Key features of AirPods Pro 3:
- Live translation in five languages.
- Heart rate sensor.
- IP57 certification for water and sweat resistance.
- Integration with Apple Intelligence.
Technology behind the translation
The live translation of AirPods Pro 3 leverages Apple Intelligence, an AI system that processes audio and text in real time. The feature relies on the iPhone’s computational power, particularly on models from the iPhone 15 Pro onward, which support Apple’s AI platform. During the presentation, the company emphasized that the system translates not just words but the meaning of sentences, ensuring greater accuracy. Processing occurs locally, without needing a constant internet connection, enhancing user privacy.
The feature is activated with a simple gesture: pressing the earbuds’ stem, which emits a sound to confirm the start of translation. When active, noise cancellation reduces the original voice, allowing the user to focus on the translated audio. It currently supports five languages: Brazilian Portuguese, English, French, German, and Spanish. By December 2025, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Italian will be added, expanding global reach.
- How translation is processed:
- Audio captured by the earbuds is sent to the iPhone.
- Apple Intelligence converts and translates the content.
- Translation is displayed on the screen or played through the earbuds.
- Local processing ensures greater privacy.
Live translation usage modes
AirPods Pro 3 offer two ways to use live translation. In the first, the user keeps the earbuds in and uses the iPhone as a horizontal display, showing real-time transcription in the other person’s language. This is ideal when only one person uses the earbuds. In the second, more practical mode, both individuals wear AirPods, and the translation is delivered directly to their ears, creating a seamless experience.
Apple demonstrated the feature in a dialogue between English and Portuguese speakers, highlighting the interaction’s natural flow. The noise cancellation, a hallmark of AirPods Pro, plays a crucial role by minimizing external sounds, allowing users to focus on the translated voice. The feature is particularly useful for travel, international meetings, or casual multilingual conversations.
Other AirPods Pro 3 innovations
Beyond live translation, AirPods Pro 3 introduce features that solidify their position in the premium earbud market. The built-in heart rate sensor enables continuous monitoring during physical activities, with data synced to the iPhone’s Health app. The IP57 certification ensures water and sweat resistance, making the earbuds suitable for workouts or use in harsh conditions.
The design retains the classic AirPods aesthetic but includes ergonomic and audio quality improvements. Apple also emphasized ecosystem integration, enabling smooth transitions between devices like iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Priced at R$ 2,699 in Brazil, the earbuds reflect a premium positioning, though a local release date is yet to be confirmed.
- Other AirPods Pro 3 features:
- Spatial audio with head tracking.
- Battery life of up to 6 hours of continuous use.
- Charging case with MagSafe support.
- Optimized microphones for calls and voice commands.
Integration with Apple’s ecosystem
The reliance on Apple Intelligence for live translation underscores Apple’s strategy to integrate its devices into a cohesive ecosystem. Only iPhones from the 15 Pro model onward support the feature, potentially limiting access for users with older models. Apple is betting on AI to differentiate its products, and AirPods Pro 3 exemplify this vision.
Compatibility with other models, such as AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with noise cancellation, broadens the feature’s reach, but the full experience is optimized on AirPods Pro 3. The company also announced Siri improvements, enabling more natural interactions with the earbuds, responding to voice commands to activate translation or adjust settings.
Expectations for the Brazilian market
In Brazil, AirPods Pro 3 arrive with a high price but align with the premium earbud market. The inclusion of Brazilian Portuguese among supported languages is a key differentiator, given the growing demand for technologies that facilitate global communication. The lack of a confirmed launch date, however, keeps consumers and experts waiting.
Apple faces competition from brands like Sony and Bose, which also offer earbuds with noise cancellation and advanced features. However, the integration with Apple Intelligence and the live translation feature position AirPods Pro 3 as a unique option, especially for users within Apple’s ecosystem.
- Factors that set AirPods Pro 3 apart in the market:
- Live translation with Brazilian Portuguese support.
- Integration with iPhone and Apple Intelligence.
- Ergonomic design and IP57 resistance.
- Heart rate sensor for monitoring.