Google's live translation, a major selling point for newer Apple AirPods, is now available on Apple devices and can be used with any headphones.

The feature, which uses Gemini AI, was introduced in a beta version in December with the ability to translate 70 languages, but it was available only on Android devices. The continued rollout is also making the feature available in more countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Thailand and the UK, according to Google.

A representative for Google didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The translation is done on the mobile device so that people can access the audio with any headphones connected to the phone or tablet, including those plugged in via a headphone dongle or headphone jack.

To access the feature, open the Google Translate app, tap the Live Translate icon at the bottom of the screen and choose from modes such as Listening, Conversation, Text Only or Custom Settings. Conversation provides two-way translation, playing audio on the phone's speaker or connected headphones. The app automatically detects languages. There's also a Face-to-Face mode that splits the screen to show each speaker a transcription and translation in their own language. 

Which is better, Apple or Google live translations?

With the introduction of headphone support, Apple device owners have multiple options for listening to live translations. If they own newer headphones such as AirPods 4, AirPods Max 2 or AirPods Pro 2 or 3, they can use Apple's built-in iOS Live Translation or go with Gemini.

Google's approach appears to be aimed at a wider audience, regardless of the type of mobile device or headphones they're using, while Apple is, as usual, keeping things tightly within its ecosystem. But which should you use?

If it's a less-common language you're translating, opt for Google's live translation. 

"Google brings broader language coverage and a stronger underlying model for less commonly spoken languages," said Thomas Randall, research director at Info-Tech Research Group. 

However, if you have headphones that support it and you're translating into a more common language, go with Apple. "Apple's native, on-device processing will offer a privacy and lower latency advantage," he said.

Ultimately, Randall says, most people looking for translations won't be able to tell much difference between the services. Those who might see a big change, however, are competitors with translation apps such as iTranslate and SayHi, which could be supplanted by these free services from companies already deeply integrated into people's lives.