One of the features Apple introduced in iOS 14 was the Translate app. The app offers side-by-side language translation with support for 11 languages. Using the app is pretty straightforward. However, there are some additional hidden features that make it more even useful.
Translation apps can be very handy, especially if you're traveling to a foreign country in which the residents speak a language you're not familiar with. In this article, we'll cover how to use Apple's Translate app on your iPhone or iPad. We'll cover most of the features, including translating text, downloading languages for offline use, and saving favorite translations for future reference.
How to Install the Translate App
The Translate app comes installed by default on devices running iOS or iPadOS 14 or later. So ensure that your iPhone or iPad has iOS 14 installed on it. Otherwise, you won't be able to use the app.
If you deleted the Translate app, you can download it again for free from the App Store.
Download: Translate (Free)
How to Translate Text With the Translate App
To start translating text, open up the Translate app on your iPhone or iPad. When launching Translate for the first time, your default languages will be set to English and Spanish (assuming your device's language is set to English).
If you tap on the Enter text window, you can type in any text that you want to translate. By tapping the Go button, the Translate app will automatically translate the text for you.
By clicking on the languages listed at the top of the screen, you can change the languages of the input text or translated phase. Currently, the following languages are supported:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- English (either US or UK)
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
How to Translate Speech With the Translate App
An additional neat feature is that the Translate app lets you speak words and phrases, too. Apple calls this Conversation mode. Simply tap the microphone symbol at the bottom of the screen and begin speaking. The app will automatically produce a translation once you stop speaking.
No matter what languages you have currently selected in Translate, the app will automatically detect which of these two is being spoken. Thus, you won't need to specify which of the selected languages is being spoken for the translation.
If you'd like to hear the translations, in addition to reading them, you can press the play button on the right-hand side of the screen. This is great for learning and practicing pronunciations.
Downloading Languages for Offline Use
Translate uses an internet connection by default to source its translations. However, if you'd like to use the app without an internet connection, it's better to download specific languages that you'll be using offline on your device. To do this, you'll see the option to download languages in the available language list. You can choose to download any of these for offline usage.
Saving Favorites and Checking Definitions
The Translate app also allows you to save certain words or phrases so you can refer back to previous translations. After translating a phase, simply tap the star icon on the bottom-left side of the translation window to save the phrase as a favorite.
You can then see all your saved favorites by tapping on the Favorites tab. This tab also shows you all your recent unsaved translations, which can also be helpful to refer to if you forget a specific phrase.
Another nifty little feature is the ability to check the definitions for translated words. You can do this by tapping the dictionary icon at the bottom of the translation window. This can be a real benefit if you're trying to understand what each word of a translated phrase means.
Future Updates With More Languages
With translation apps being such an integral part of travelers' devices, it is good to see Apple finally introduce a native app for translation on iPhones and iPads. The Translate app offers stiff competition to Google's Translate app and, hopefully, Apple will be updating it with additional languages and features soon.
