How to translate a phone call on iPhone
Yes, if you have an iPhone with Apple Intelligence on iOS 26. Apple’s Live Translation translates one-on-one Phone and FaceTime calls, and the other person does not need an iPhone. At launch it covered five languages for calls. If your iPhone or your language is not supported, a browser-based call translator such as Owaa works on any iPhone. As of October 2026.
Turn on Live Translation during a call
- Check that your iPhone supports Apple Intelligence and is updated to iOS 26.
- During a one-on-one call in the Phone app, tap More.
- Tap Live Translation, then Start Translation.
- The call switches to speaker, and both of you are told the call is being translated.
What it needs and what it covers
- A compatible iPhone, iPad or Mac with Apple Intelligence, on iOS 26, iPadOS 26 or macOS Tahoe 26.
- One-on-one calls only. Apple says it may not be available in every region or language.
- Languages for calls at launch (September 2025): English (UK, US), French, German, Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish (Spain). Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Korean were announced for later; check Apple for the current list.
- Apple says translation runs on the device, and it is a free part of iOS 26. Cellular data charges may apply.
- The other person can use any phone, even a landline, and hears a synthesized voice.
If Live Translation is not available to you
- Your iPhone does not support Apple Intelligence (Live Translation will not appear).
- Your language is not on Apple’s list for calls.
- You want to place the call from a computer, or keep each speaker’s own voice.
Translate a call from any phone with Owaa
Owaa works in the browser on any phone, Android or iPhone, and calls any number. The other person needs no app. 98 languages, and each of you keeps your own voice.
- Open owaa.ai in your phone’s browser and sign in with a free Owaa account.
- Pick your language and the other person’s, then enter the number you want to call.
- Talk normally. Each of you hears the other in your own language.
- No smartphone at hand? Dial the Owaa hotline, +1 833 988 4455, from any phone.
- Calls cost from $0.25 per minute, by the country you call. New accounts can claim 10 free minutes once.
Questions
- Which iPhones can translate phone calls?
- Apple says Live Translation needs Apple Intelligence on a compatible iPhone with iOS 26. On other iPhones, use a call translator that runs in the browser or over a hotline, such as Owaa.
- Does the person I call need an iPhone?
- No. Macworld reports the other caller can use any device, even a landline. With Owaa the other person needs no app either.
- Is iPhone call translation free?
- Apple lists Live Translation as a free part of iOS 26; cellular data charges may apply. Owaa is paid by the minute.
- Can I translate a call on an older iPhone?
- Not with Live Translation. With Owaa you can: open owaa.ai in Safari and call from there, or dial +1 833 988 4455.
Related
Sources
Facts about other products as of October 2026. Features change; check the maker for the current details.
- New Apple Intelligence features are available today (Apple Newsroom) (official, Published 2025-09-15)
- Use Live Translation on iPhone (Apple Support) (official, Retrieved 2026-10-19)
- Everyone will want to try Apple’s Live Translation (Macworld) (press or hands-on review, Retrieved 2026-10-19)
- Your AirPods could become a live translation tool with iOS 26 (Tom’s Guide) (press or hands-on review, Retrieved 2026-10-19)
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