- Google announces two updates rolling out to the Gemini-based AI translation feature “Live Translate” in the Google Translate app for Android and iOS.
- Background continuity for “Live Translate” in the Android version of the Google Translate app, and iOS support for the phone-call-style speaker playback feature in “Live Translate.”
- Background continuity for “Live Translate” is also scheduled to roll out to the iOS version of the Google Translate app in the future.
On Friday, September 4, 2026 local time, Google announced two updates coming to “Live Translate,” the Google AI “Gemini”-based AI translation feature in the Google Translate app for Android and iOS, which began rolling out in the US, Mexico, and India in December 2025, and later expanded to many countries including Japan in March 2026.
The two updates rolling out to “Live Translate” are background continuity for “Live Translate” in the Android version of the Google Translate app, and iOS support for the phone-call-style speaker playback feature in “Live Translate.” Background continuity for “Live Translate” is also scheduled to roll out to the iOS version of the Google Translate app in the future.
“Live Translate” Background Continuity
“Live Translate” in the Android version of the Google Translate app now supports background use, allowing it to be used while the screen is locked or while operating other apps.
This background continuity feature for “Live Translate” is also planned to be supported in the iOS version of the Google Translate app in the future. Meanwhile, it appears that over one-third of “Live Translate” sessions now exceed 5 minutes in length.
iOS “Live Translate” Phone-Call-Style Speaker Playback Support
With “Live Translate” in the Android version of the Google Translate app, users can hold their Android device to their ear just like making a phone call and listen to translated audio played through the speaker, even without wearing headphones or earphones.
This phone-call-style speaker playback for “Live Translate” is now also available on iOS devices. This makes it easy to listen to “Live Translate” audio even in crowded environments or when listening to airport announcements.
“Google Translate” App Links
