Can earbuds translate a phone call?
Short answer
Yes. AirPods translate Phone and FaceTime calls with a recent iPhone, and Galaxy Buds4 Pro translate calls in the Samsung Phone app on a Galaxy S26.
Which products can do it?
- Apple AirPods Pro 3Yes
Live Translation also works on calls in the Phone app and on FaceTime while you wear your AirPods.
Good to know: Same requirements as Live Translation: iPhone 15 Pro or later, iOS 26, Apple Intelligence. Beta.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds4 ProYes
With the Samsung Phone app on a Galaxy S26, Galaxy Buds4 Pro deliver real-time translation of calls into your ear.
Good to know: Galaxy S26 series named for calls; 22 languages.
Why it matters
Calling a hotel, a doctor's office or family abroad is harder than talking face to face, because you can't point or show a screen.
Not proven yet
How well it copes with poor call quality and accents.
How we know (2 sources)
Apple support article on Live Translation with AirPods: works with AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Max 2 and an iPhone 15 Pro or later on iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence on. After both languages are downloaded, all processing happens on the iPhone. Start it in the Translate app, by holding both stems, or by saying "Siri, start Live Translation"; it also works on Phone and FaceTime calls. Labeled beta; Apple warns outputs may be inaccurate and features vary by region and language.
Read the sourceUS Galaxy Buds4 Pro page (read Oct 22, 2026): from $249.99. Interpreter and Live Translate in 22 languages: real-time translation in your ear on calls through the Samsung Phone app on a Galaxy S26, or face-to-face with your words shown on the phone for the other person. Interpreter needs a Galaxy AI phone on One UI 6.1.1 or later; basic Galaxy AI features are free.
Read the source
Status timeline
No status has changed since we started tracking. Every entry is dated and backed by the sources on this page.
- First recorded: In storesSamsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
With the Samsung Phone app on a Galaxy S26, Galaxy Buds4 Pro deliver real-time translation of calls into your ear.
- First recorded: In storesApple AirPods Pro 3
Live Translation also works on calls in the Phone app and on FaceTime while you wear your AirPods.