Apple's latest AirPods Pro 3, launched on September 9, 2025, introduce a range of advanced features including a heart-rate sensor, enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and a groundbreaking Live Translation capability. However, users within the European Union (EU) will not have access to the Live Translation feature.
Apple's official documentation confirms that the Live Translation feature is unavailable for individuals whose Apple Account Country or Region is set within the EU and who are physically located in the EU. This geographical restriction also applies to other AirPods models equipped with the feature, such as the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC. While Apple has not officially detailed the reasons for this exclusion, speculation points to the EU's stringent regulatory environment concerning artificial intelligence and data protection. The EU's Artificial Intelligence Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) impose rigorous requirements on speech and translation services, particularly concerning privacy, consent, and data flow. Regulators are reportedly examining the functionality of Live Translation and its implications for user rights and data handling before its wider deployment in the EU.
For users outside the EU, the Live Translation feature supports real-time translation between English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with plans to expand to Italian, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese by the end of the year. The AirPods Pro 3 offer significant upgrades beyond Live Translation, including double the Active Noise Cancellation of the previous model, improved sound quality with enhanced bass and a wider soundstage, and a new heart-rate sensor for workout tracking, eliminating the need for an Apple Watch. The earbuds also feature an IP57 dust and water resistance rating, a refined design for a more comfortable fit, and an extended battery life of up to 8 hours with ANC enabled, compared to the 6 hours of the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $249 in the U.S. and were scheduled for release on September 19, 2025.
This situation highlights the complex interplay between technological innovation and evolving regulatory frameworks. Apple's approach to feature rollouts in different regions reflects a careful navigation of these legal and ethical considerations, aiming to integrate new technologies responsibly within the global market.