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
8 hours ago at 09:49 am
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: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleFan91 Avatar
10 hours ago at 08:30 am
But most importantly…. Can I get that wallpaper lol
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dirty Mac Avatar
8 hours ago at 10:42 am

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: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kobs Avatar
10 hours ago at 08:39 am
Is there a shortcut to use it with other customised shortcuts?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
currentinterest Avatar
10 hours ago at 08:44 am
Will it listen and translate a reply?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Javier_gl Avatar
9 hours ago at 09:11 am
This option is not available in Spain.... ?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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