Apple announces the end of language barriers. But it was the Poles who were the first!

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 communicate while traveling or during 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 presented the AirPods Pro 3, the third generation of the most popular earbuds in the world. This time, the novelty does not concern sound quality or design, but rather a real-time translation feature. Thanks to this, a user who only speaks English can easily understand a seller in a Spanish store and immediately respond in their own language.

The most interesting scenario involves two people with AirPods Pro 3 talking to each other – each in their own language, while the earbuds automatically translate the statements, eliminating the barrier. The system is activated by touching both earbuds and works based on Apple Intelligence, which recognizes the language, suppresses the speaker's voice, and immediately plays the translation in the user's ear.

Apple boasts that thanks to ANC (active noise cancellation), the conversation sounds natural and does not require additional concentration from the user. This “futuristic fluidity” is said to be the greatest 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 – such as Italian, Japanese, Korean, or Chinese – are expected to appear by the end of 2025. The feature also requires an iPhone 15 Pro or a newer model with iOS 26 since all translation occurs 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 History of Vasco Electronics

In this context, the story of the Polish company Vasco 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 Krakow designs and sells mobile translators used by medical services, law enforcement, and even the military. Its solutions have reached, among others, Scotland Yard, U.S. military bases in Hawaii, and European public institutions.

Vasco currently operates 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 enables users to clone their voice and choose the gender of the speaker.

As a result, the interlocutor hears the translation in a voice that sounds natural – as if the person themselves was speaking. Moreover, the Call Translator feature allows for telephone conversations in over 50 languages in real time. The built-in SIM card ensures global internet access without additional roaming charges.

– Vasco's devices stand out for their translation quality, number of languages, and ease of use. With voice cloning and phone 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 device that will reach millions of users worldwide. Vasco, on the other hand, has been developing specialized tools for years that are already being used in the most demanding environments – from hospitals to the military.

Although Apple will dominate the headlines marketing-wise, the facts remain unchanged – in the field of simultaneous translations, the Poles were first.

Source: cyfrowa.rp.pl