Overcome communication barriers with the new custom Translation option for the iPhone's Action button in iOS 17.2. Keep reading to learn how to use it.

ios 17 translate
If you have an ‌iPhone‌ with an Action button, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple's iOS 17.2 software update brings a new translation option for the button that allows you to translate live conversations into multiple languages.

According to Apple, the translation is not just accurate but also context-aware, ensuring that nuances and colloquialisms are captured effectively. The feature should be a boon for travelers, students, and anyone learning a language.

Before you use the Translate function, it's important to choose which language you want to translate. You can do this via Apple's built-in Translate app. On the app's main screen, use the chevrons next to the languages to make your selection.
translate choose language

Assign Translate to Action Button

Once you have chosen your languages, you are ready to select the Translate option for the Action button.

  1. Open the Settings app on your ‌iPhone‌.
  2. Tap Action Button.
  3. Swipe to the Translate option to enable it.

settings

Using the Translate Function

To Translate your speech to your chosen language, simply press and hold the Action button on your ‌iPhone‌ and begin speaking. Keep holding down the button for as long as you want to capture speech.

iPhone 15 Pro Action Button Translate
Your ‌iPhone‌ will transcribe what you said and display it in the Dynamic Island, and it will also provide a translation in the chosen language just beneath the transcription. Your ‌iPhone‌ will automatically read aloud the translation, and you can replay it by pressing the play button to the right of it.

Top Rated Comments

Attirex Avatar
16 months ago
Ah, yes, now obnoxious US tourists can shove their phones in locals' faces the world over!

"I SAID DO YOU HAVE COFFEE??? MY PHONE JUST SAID IT IN YOUR LANGUAGE. ARE YOU DEAF AND ALSO STUPID???"
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CausticSoda Avatar
16 months ago
This is woefully inadequate. As an expat and a frequent traveller, I was really looking forward to it. However:
[LIST=1]
* It only translates one way and does not listen for a reply.
* You cannot even press it again to reverse the translation direction. You have to enter the app.
* About 1/3 of the time it simply fails to work (it "listens" but does not respond). That is not due to the internet because I have the languages downloaded as well.
* The autoplay of the translation to sound never works the first time. After it "plays" it automatically, you then have to press repeat play manually, and only then you can hear it.
* There is no locked screen override, so if you press it on a locked screen it turns itself off after a few seconds, so you have to unlock the screen before use which is ridiculous.
* If you want to speak again after the first translation you have to enter the app or long press it off and then long press it back on again.

I am astounded this is the best they can do... If you devote an actual button to it, it should have more functionality and simply work better. I cannot believe whoever was responsible for this thinks it is good enough. Was it actually tested by people who have experience of needing/using translation aids in real life rather than a quick test be someone clueless in Cupertino? If they could make it work properly it would be great and an example of a really good use of the button. If you are in a stressful situation with live conversation, you don't want to be finding and opening the app. You want to be "on it" immediately. Doing it all from one button would be superb. Come on Apple - sort it out please!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dirty Mac Avatar
16 months ago

Ah, yes, now obnoxious US tourists can shove their phones in locals' faces the world over!

"I SAID DO YOU HAVE COFFEE??? MY PHONE JUST SAID IT IN YOUR LANGUAGE. ARE YOU DEAF AND ALSO STUPID???"
Maybe Apple will also add a "shouting mode" to the speech output for Americans? ;-)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleFan91 Avatar
16 months ago
But most importantly…. Can I get that wallpaper lol
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kobs Avatar
16 months ago
Is there a shortcut to use it with other customised shortcuts?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
currentinterest Avatar
16 months ago
Will it listen and translate a reply?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple iPhone 16e Feature

Apple Announces iPhone 16e With A18 Chip and Apple Intelligence, Pricing Starts at $599

Wednesday February 19, 2025 8:02 am PST by
Apple today introduced the iPhone 16e, its newest entry-level smartphone. The device succeeds the third-generation iPhone SE, which has now been discontinued. The iPhone 16e features a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, up from a 4.7-inch LCD on the iPhone SE. The display has a notch for Face ID, and this means that Apple no longer sells any iPhones with a Touch ID fingerprint button, marking the ...
iphone 17 pro asherdipps

iPhone 17 Pro Models Rumored to Feature Aluminum Frame Instead of Titanium Frame

Tuesday February 18, 2025 12:02 pm PST by
Over the years, Apple has switched from an aluminum frame to a stainless steel frame to a titanium frame for its highest-end iPhones. And now, it has been rumored that Apple will go back to using aluminum for three out of four iPhone 17 models. In an investor note with research firm GF Securities, obtained by MacRumors this week, Apple supply chain analyst Jeff Pu said the iPhone 17, iPhone...
apple launch feb 2025 alt

Here Are the New Apple Products We're Still Expecting This Spring

Thursday February 20, 2025 5:06 am PST by
Now that Apple has announced its new more affordable iPhone 16e, our thoughts turn to what else we are expecting from the company this spring. There are three product categories that we are definitely expecting to get upgraded before spring has ended. Keep reading to learn what they are. If we're lucky, Apple might make a surprise announcement about a completely new product category. M4...
Generic iOS 18

Here's When Apple Will Release iOS 18.4

Wednesday February 19, 2025 11:38 am PST by
Following the launch of the iPhone 16e, Apple updated its iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia pages to give a narrower timeline on when the next updates are set to launch. All three pages now state that new Apple Intelligence features and languages will launch in early April, an update from the more broader April timeframe that Apple provided before. The next major point updates will be iOS ...
apple launch feb 2025

Tim Cook Teases an 'Apple Launch' Next Wednesday

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:07 am PST by
In a social media post today, Apple CEO Tim Cook teased an upcoming "launch" of some kind scheduled for Wednesday, February 19. "Get ready to meet the newest member of the family," he said, with an #AppleLaunch hashtag. The post includes a short video with an animated Apple logo inside a circle. Cook did not provide an exact time for the launch, or share any other specific details, so...
apple c1

Apple Unveils 'C1' as First Custom Cellular Modem

Wednesday February 19, 2025 8:08 am PST by
Apple today announced its first custom cellular modem with the name "C1," debuting in the all-new iPhone 16e. The new modem contributes to the iPhone 16e's power efficiency, giving it the longest battery life of any iPhone with a 6.1-inch display, such as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16. Expanding the benefits of Apple silicon, C1 is the first modem designed by Apple and the most...
Apple Northbrook

Apple Store Permanently Closing at Struggling Mall in Chicago Area

Tuesday February 18, 2025 8:46 pm PST by
Apple is permanently closing its retail store at the Northbrook Court shopping mall in the Chicago area. The company confirmed the upcoming closure today in a statement, but it has yet to provide a closing date for the location. Apple Northbrook opened in 2005, and the store moved to a larger space in the mall in 2017. Apple confirmed that affected employees will continue to work for the...