Is Apple Live Translation compatible with Bluetooth hearing aids?

Is there a way to use Apple Live Translation, but direct the output to hearing aids rather than AirPods? I wear bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, and it is awkward for me to remove them and put AirPods in my ears.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Live translation with hearing aids

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 30, 2025 12:30 AM

Reply
4 replies

Oct 2, 2025 10:37 PM in response to jeff-4

Hi jeff-4,


Re: "Live translation with hearing aids : Is there a way to use Apple Live Translation, but direct the output to hearing aids rather than AirPods? I wear bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, and it is awkward for me to remove them and put AirPods in my ears. "


Am no expert in this area, yet your request to the community deserves some response.

We do not know whether your hearing-aids are Made for iPhone (Mfi) compatible, and can use Apple's hearing accessibility software, or whether they must rely on bluetooth for connection and an app or firmware from the manufacturer for control. Sorry I don't know whether or not that makes a difference when it comes to using Live Translation.

You don't need AirPods to use Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps.

if the language you want is available for download, seems you would need to update your iOS version to the newest version iOS 26.0.1, and also have Apple Intelligence turned on.


However, the way I understand it, seems AirPods with the newest firmware update are needed if you want to use Live Translation with a person nearby.


There is much information available in Apple Support's online article (link below):

Translate messages, calls, and conversations on iPhone - Apple Support

Eg: says:

"Live Translation is integrated into the Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps".

and

"Live Translation uses Apple-built models that run entirely on device,"


"Note: Live Translation in Phone is available for one-on-one calls in English (UK, U.S.),

French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain)."


"Note: Apple Intelligence is not available on all iPhone models or in all languages or regions.**

To access the most recent available features, make sure you’re using

the latest version of iOS and have Apple Intelligence turned on."


"**Apple Intelligence is available in beta with support for the following languages: Chinese (Simplified), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish. Some features may not be available in all languages or regions. "


All the best :-)


Oct 6, 2025 11:22 AM in response to jeff-4

Thank you kindly for taking the time to reply, jeff-4 and for your added info. :-)


Thank you too, to Grant Bennett-Alder for joining the discussion and providing the excellent feedback suggestion. Although it will not help immediately, and they will likely not reply, it's possible to make a feature request via the feedback form. A link to this discussion thread can be included if desired.

Oct 6, 2025 7:23 AM in response to brbo

Thank you. I appreciate the information. My hearing aids are MFI and do connect to my iPhone. While it is nice to know that I can use live translation in the Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps, it would be REALLY nice if the iPhone could process the translation in real time and direct the output to my hearing aids, though this does not seem possible at the moment. Apple, hope you're listening (no pun intended).

Is Apple Live Translation compatible with Bluetooth hearing aids?

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