Apple’s Translate app is taking a big leap forward with iOS 17.4 and beyond. Not only is the app making its debut on the Apple Watch in watchOS 11, but developers can now leverage Apple’s translation technology within their own iOS apps thanks to the introduction of a new Translation API. This API, available since iOS 17.4, empowers developers to ditch third-party translation services and seamlessly integrate Apple’s robust translation functionality directly into their apps.
The Translation API offers several advantages for both developers and users. By utilizing the same on-device machine learning models that power the Translate app, the API ensures that translations can be performed offline, eliminating dependence on an internet connection. Additionally, downloaded language models are shared across apps using the API, minimizing storage space requirements on devices.
The current iteration of the Translation API, available for iOS 17.4 and later, allows developers to translate text between languages. However, the upcoming iOS 18 SDK promises even more flexibility. With iOS 18, developers will gain the ability to translate not only single strings of text, but also batches of text at once. Furthermore, they will have the freedom to display the translated text within any user interface element of their app, providing a truly customized translation experience.
Developers eager to get started can access the iOS 18 beta preview now, with a public beta expected to arrive next month. The official launch of iOS 18, along with the enhanced Translation API features, is slated for this fall.pen_sparktuneshare
