The new AirPods Pro 3 have arrived with improvements in sound quality, active noise cancellation, ergonomics, and even heart rate measurement. However, the major new feature introduced by Apple, real-time translation powered by artificial intelligence, will not be available in the European Union.
The company confirmed in a support document that the feature will not be enabled if the user is physically in Europe and their Apple ID is registered in the EU. The reason: to avoid potential conflicts with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European regulation aimed at governing large digital “gatekeepers”.
A feature that makes a difference
Real-time translation is not a mere aesthetic addition. It’s a tool that can break down language barriers in seconds, useful during travel, professional meetings, or educational settings. Connected to the iPhone and supported by Apple Intelligence, the AirPods Pro 3 allow you to listen in your language what someone else is saying in another, and vice versa, almost without latency.
In the United States or Asia, a tourist can use it to navigate a foreign city without fear; a student can follow classes in another language; and a business can hold international video calls without relying on translators. In Europe, however, consumers will be left without access to this disruptive capability, despite paying the same price: 249 euros.
Regulation that hinders innovation
Apple fears that the DMA will require it to open its translation system to third-party providers, which could expose its design and business model to competitors. To avoid a clash with Brussels, it has chosen to block the function outright.
This pattern is not new: it previously happened with the duplication of the iPhone on Mac, another service not available in Europe. Apple’s strategy is clear: better to disable than risk a multimillion-dollar fine or the obligation to modify its ecosystem.
The result is that the real victims are the European citizens, who see technological innovation delayed or limited compared to other regions. The overregulation, intended to protect consumers in theory, ends up creating a technological gap with the US and Asia.
Europe versus technological freedom?
The case of the AirPods Pro 3 highlights a fundamental debate: to what extent is EU regulation limiting free access to technology? While Brussels insists on ensuring competition and interoperability, many users perceive that the EU is becoming an environment hostile to disruptive advances.
The paradox is clear: in a continent with more than 24 official languages and hundreds of dialects, real-time translation could be particularly transformative. Yet, it is here where it cannot be used.
What’s next
Apple has not entirely ruled out a future activation if the regulatory framework becomes clearer. But for now, the flagship feature of the AirPods Pro 3 is blocked in the EU, confirming that the Digital Markets Act already has tangible effects on consumers’ daily lives.
For the rest of the world, the AirPods Pro 3 — along with the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC — will offer automatic translation from day one, with initial support for English, German, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, expanding to more languages before the end of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the real-time translation of the AirPods Pro 3?
It’s an AI-based feature that translates conversations live, allowing you to hear in your language what another person is saying in a different language, with minimal latency.
Why isn’t it available in Europe?
Due to the implications of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which could require Apple to open its translation system to third parties, the company has chosen to block the feature to avoid regulatory sanctions.
What languages does this feature support?
Initially, English, German, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese will be added before the year ends.
Will it be activated in Europe in the future?
There’s no confirmation. It will depend on Brussels’ interpretation of the DMA and whether Apple decides to adapt the feature to the European regulatory framework.
via: Apple News