The Translate app is installed by default on the iPhone or iPad and can also be used in Dutch since iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. This allows you to easily translate text with the Translate app. This can be written text, but also spoken text during a conversation.
Since iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, this can be done in another way. For example, you can use the camera of your iPhone or iPad to translate the text. Handy for a menu abroad, a brochure in a foreign language or a letter from your hotel.
Translate with the camera
- Open the Translate app
- Tap ‘Camera’ at the bottom
- Select the desired languages
- Point the camera at the text to translate it
- Pause playback via the camera button
The translations are then overlaid on text in a photo. Zoom in for a larger view or use the flash for extra light. Unfortunately, it is not possible to start a translation directly from the Camera app. You must always open the Translate app first.
Does not work on all devices
If you want to translate text live using the camera, you must have an iPhone or iPad that supports live text. These are devices with a A12 chip or newer. These are the iPhone XS, iPhone XR or later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) or later, iPad Pro 11-inch (all models), iPad Air (3rd generation) or later, iPad (8th generation) or later, and iPad mini (5th generation) or later.
Translate photos in the photo library
Not only can you translate live text this way, you can also use it to translate photos from your library, for example a photo of a written walking route. To do this, tap the images icon and search your library for the photo.