Apple Blocks Live AirPods Translation in EU Over Regulations

Apple has blocked the use of its new Live Translation feature on AirPods for users located in the European Union, citing compliance challenges with the EU's strict regulatory framework, including the Digital Markets Act (DMA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the upcoming Artificial Intelligence Act. The feature, unveiled with the AirPods Pro 3 and also available on other recent AirPods models, enables real-time audio translation in multiple languages, but it will be unavailable for EU residents or those with EU Apple accounts until Apple ensures full compliance with EU rules. Apple has expressed concerns that EU regulations could force it to compromise user privacy and data security or require interoperability with competitor devices, which it resists. While the translation service supports languages such as English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, it is currently accessible only outside the EU, including the UK. Apple delayed rolling out certain AI-powered features in Europe previously due to similar regulatory issues and is likely to wait until the EU finalizes its regulatory approach before enabling Live Translation in the region. This restriction highlights the ongoing tension between tech companies and European regulators over data privacy, market competition, and AI governance.