Katarzyna Petru
Apple likes to talk about "revolution" and "breakthrough". And indeed, the new feature in the AirPods Pro 3 headphones sounds like a script straight out of science fiction movies. Real-time translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, is a solution that could change the way we converse during travel or international meetings. However, in this race of technology, the giant from Cupertino is not a pioneer at all – the first were the Poles.
AirPods Pro 3 and Apple Intelligence – the end of language barriers?
During the "Awe Dropping" event, Apple showcased the AirPods Pro 3, the third generation of the world's most popular earbuds. This time, the novelty is not about the sound quality or design, but rather a real-time translator function. Thanks to this, an English-speaking user can easily understand a salesperson in a Spanish shop and instantly respond in their own language.
The most interesting scenario is one where two people with AirPods Pro 3 talk to each other – each in their own language, while the earbuds automatically translate the conversations, eliminating the barrier. The system is activated by tapping both earbuds and works based on Apple Intelligence, which recognises the language, suppresses the other person's voice, and immediately plays the translation in the user's ear.
Apple boasts that with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), the conversation sounds natural and does not require extra focus from the user. It's this "futuristic fluency" that is claimed to be the biggest advantage of the solution.
Beta tests and limitations – not for everyone
However, there is a catch. The translator in AirPods Pro 3 will initially support only five languages: English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. Polish is missing from this list, and additionally, Apple has disabled access for users from the European Union – at least at the start.
More languages – like Italian, Japanese, Korean, or Chinese – are expected to be added by the end of 2025. The feature also requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer model running iOS 26, as the entire translation takes place locally on the device. Fortunately, the update will also include owners of AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4.
Apple is thus entering direct competition with Google (Pixel Buds) and Samsung (Galaxy Buds), which have previously experimented with similar features.
Poles were faster – the story of ChooseTV Electronics
Against this backdrop, the story of Polish company ChooseTV Electronics is particularly interesting, as it has been developing its own translation systems for years. Founded in 2008 by Maciej Góralski, the company based in Kraków designs and sells mobile translators used by medical services, uniformed services, and even the military. Its solutions have been used by Scotland Yard, American military bases in Hawaii, and European public institutions.
ChooseTV operates today in 25 countries across four continents and regularly appears at the largest technology fairs. During this year's CES in Las Vegas, the Polish company made a real splash. Its latest Translator Q1 not only allows translation in over 70 languages but also can clone the user's voice and select the gender of the narrator.
As a result, the conversation partner hears the translation in a voice that sounds natural – as if the same person were speaking. Moreover, the Call Translator feature enables phone conversations in over 50 languages in real time. The built-in SIM card ensures global internet access without incurring additional roaming costs.
– ChooseTV devices stand out for their translation quality, number of languages, and ease of use. Thanks to voice cloning and telephone conversation translations, we are setting new standards in the industry – emphasizes Tomasz Stomski, Chief Product Officer of the company.
Apple vs Vasco – two visions of the same future
Apple is introducing a language translator in a mass-market device that will reach millions of users worldwide. On the other hand, Vasco has been developing specialised tools for years, which are already being used in the most demanding environments – from hospitals to the military.
Although Apple will dominate the headlines from a marketing perspective, the facts remain unchanged – in the field of simultaneous translation, it was the Polish who were first.
Source: cyfrowa.rp.pl
