



Why Apple Translate Is Better Than You Might Think

Apple Translate is a lifesaver for people who often find themselves traveling to different countries that can have a language barrier. Since the app is an official Apple app, it’s extremely lightweight and reliable to use.
So, let’s talk about some of the things that make Apple Translate one of the best translation apps for iOS.
> MANAGE TRANSLATIONS
> REAL-TIME TRANSLATION USING CAMERA
> REAL-TIME TRANSLATIONS
> THE FACE TO FACE AND SIDE BY SIDE MODES
> TRANSLATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE TRANSLATE APP
Manage Translations
When you translate the text, you will see several options underneath the translated text. Here, you can tap the Arrow icon to view the translation in full screen, click on the Star icon to favorite it, and the Play button to play the translation.
Typically, the app needs an internet connection for translation, but you can download specific languages. However, offline translation is limited to some of the most basic features, so it's better to always be connected to the internet.
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Real-Time Translation Using Camera
With the recent iOS 17 update, you can now use the camera in the translate app, which allows you to see an overlay of the translation in real time.
To use this mode, simply open the Translate app and head over to the Camera tab. Here, you can select the languages using the option above the shutter button.
Simply point the camera at the text and you're going to see an overlay of the translated text on top of the original text. You can use the shutter button to take a picture of the text, which will show the translated text on top. There’s also an option to share the translated image using the iOS share menu. Moreover, you can save the image or use a shortcut from the iOS Shortcuts app.
On the left, you can see the gallery button that allows you to pick an image from your gallery and a button on the right that you can use to turn on the flashlight.
Real-Time Translations
Not only can you translate simple text in the app, but it can also be used to interpret the conversation between people speaking two different languages in real-time. To get started, open the app and click on the Conversation button.
Choose the two languages you wish to translate between and select the Auto Translate button, which will automatically detect who’s talking and determine when the other person has started speaking. You can also use the Play Translations button to make sure the translated text is read out loud.
If done properly, you can just press the Microphone icon and start speaking. The app will work automatically, and you won’t have to press any buttons. Just talk normally and the app will be able to translate the conversation for each side.
The Face to Face and Side by Side Modes
When you’re using the real-time translation mode, there are two ways to view the conversation.
The first one is the default Side by Side mode, which shows the usual chat-style window. Here, you’re able to see one language on the left and the other one on the right- kind of a texting application. I generally use this mode when someone is standing next to me since it allows both to view the screen from one angle.
The second one is the Face to Face mode, which divides the screen from the middle and shows two opposite-facing screens for each person to read. The part of the window facing towards you has the language you speak, whereas the other one has the language that the other person can understand. This view is great if someone is standing in front of you.
Translations Outside of the Translate App
One of the most useful features of the Translate app in iOS is the amount of integration it offers. If you're using Safari or the Photos app, you can long-press the text to select it. Click on the Translate button to bring up the window.
There, you will see the original language of the text, which can be changed by pressing the language selection button. Below the original text, you will see the translated text. You can choose the language of the translated text using the language selector.
In this window, you can Copy Translation, Add to Favorites, and even Open in Translate app.
Wrapping Up
If you already use an iPhone, using the Apple Translate app is a no-brainer. It offers offline translations, real-time conversation, as well as translation using the camera. And the best part? It's entirely free to use.
So, give it a go and try out some of the advanced features on offer.