LANGUAGES & PRIVACY
On-device and offline translation: what to expect
Understand which parts run locally, what needs a download, and what still requires a connection.
Live Translate uses Apple’s speech recognition and translation capabilities on your iPhone or iPad. Once the required models are installed, speech recognition and translation can run locally. This does not mean every part of the experience is always available without a connection.
What runs on the device
Audio transcription and text translation are processed on your device. Audio, recognized speech, and translated captions are not sent to the developer’s servers for translation. Microphone history is stored locally, and microphone audio is not saved.
What needs an initial download
Apple-managed speech and translation resources may need to be downloaded for your selected languages. Prepare the models in Live Translate while you have a reliable internet connection. If you change languages, check the model readiness again before starting.
Can I translate without an internet connection?
Local transcription and translation can work when the required resources are installed and supported on your device. A microphone session does not need to stream your speech to a translation server. Locally available video audio can also be processed when the source app exposes it to broadcasting.
Online videos, live streams, and remote meetings still need their own internet connection. Purchasing, restoring purchases, and downloading or refreshing language resources may also require connectivity.
Translation support and speech support are different
Live Translate supports translation in 20 languages. Available spoken-language recognition, language combinations, model readiness, and performance depend on Apple’s system support and your device. A translated interface language does not by itself guarantee speech recognition for that language.
Check the language choices and readiness indicators inside the app for your intended combination. If a required resource is unavailable, the app cannot replace it with an online translation service.
Prepare before a trip or lesson
- Choose your spoken and translation languages while online.
- Prepare the models and wait for them to finish.
- Try a short microphone session with the speech you expect to translate.
- If you plan to watch saved media, test that source app’s audio with the system broadcast.
Privacy and exported files
Your microphone history remains on the device until you choose to export or share it. Exported files follow the storage and sharing destination you select. For the full app policy, read the Privacy Policy.