With the release of watchOS 11, one of Apple’s best iPhone apps for world travelers and jetsetters is finally available on the best Apple Watch devices. I’m talking, of course, about Apple’s Translate app.
An invaluable tool for exploring places with language barriers, the app has been available on the iPhone for several years, but feels more at home on a device on the wrist.
With support for 20 languages and a user-friendly interface, the Apple Watch Translate app is easy to set up and use. Of course, you’ll need the latest watchOS 11 software to access it. Don’t worry, you’ll find download instructions below. And the best part? You don’t necessarily have to buy the new Apple Watch Series 10 to use it, even though it’s the best smartwatch money can buy. You’ll find more information on whether your existing watch is eligible below.
So pack your bags and get your passport ready. Here’s how to access and use Apple’s helpful new Translate app on your own Apple Watch.
Watch on
How to use the Apple Watch Translate app in watchOS 11
- Install watchOS 11
- Open the Translator app and select your input language
- Select an output language
- Choose your pronunciation speed
- Choose between audio or text input
- Enter/speak the text to be translated
- Select your “favorite translations” and save them for later
Read on to see full illustrated instructions for each step.
1. Install watchOS 11
(Image: © Dan Bracaglia/Tom’s Guide)
Before you can access the new Apple Watch Translate app, you must download the latest watchOS 11 Software; these are the Apple Watches that are eligible for the upgrade. You also need a compatible iPhone with the latest iOS 18 Software.
Once you have iOS 18 set up, here’s how to download watchOS 11 to your own Apple Watch. It took me about an hour to install it. By the way, Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged and that the watch is on the charger before you start the installation.
2. Open the translator app and select your input language
(Image: © Future)
Up to date with watchOS 11, Navigate to your app library and select the Translator app. In the grid app view, the Translator app is shown with a white and blue speech bubble. Once opened, two languages are listed. Tap the top language option to change your input language.
3. Select an output language
(Image: © Future)
After selecting the input language, you can choose your output. Tap the language option below to open the full list of languages you can translate into.
As for the input language, you can choose from 20 languages, including Arabic, Chinese (Simplified Mandarin), Chinese (Traditional Mandarin), Dutch, English (UK), English (US), French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Spain), Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.
4. Choose your pronunciation speed
(Image: © Future)
After you have selected your input and output languages, tap “…” in the upper right corner for more menu options. Here you can Adjust the playback speed of the pronunciation audio clip which is included with every translation.
5. Choose between audio or text input
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Under the pronunciation speed setting, there is an option to turn “Autoplay translations” on or off. I like to leave it off, which should be the default. Scroll down further to find the “Preferred Input” option.Here you can Choose between speaking or typing your translation requests. I find it easier to use the voice option, but it’s handy that there’s also a text option for moments when it might be awkward to speak into the watch.
6. Enter/speak the text to be translated
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After you select your input and output languages and your input method, you can now use the Apple Watch Translate app. Tap either the microphone or keyboard icon at the bottom center of the screen And Enter the phrase or words you want to translateYour Apple Watch should spit out an accurate translation within seconds.
7. Select your “favorite translations” and save them for later
(Image: © Future)
Would you like to save a translated phrase or word for later? No problem. Simply Scroll through your previously translated entriesthey should all be listed in the app, and swipe right on what you want to save for later. This will display a circle with a star in it.. Go ahead and Tap the star To Change it from a white outline to a solid white star. Your translation is now saved as a favorite.‘ You can View your favorites by tapping the star in the top left corner the home screen of the Translator app.
And there you know how to use the Apple Watch Translate app in watchOS 11. Whether you’re traveling to a new (or old) place where the language is unfamiliar to you, or you’re simply learning another language in your free time, this app is a fantastic and refreshingly simple tool for your Apple Watch.
Want more ways to get the most out of your Apple Watch? If you’ve already upgraded to watchOS 11, you can now (finally) pause your Apple Watch activity rings.
In addition, you’ll learn how to use Apple’s handy double-tap gesture, how to track sleep on Apple Watch, how to use Apple’s Check-In safety feature, and how to use Apple Watch’s Backtrack feature to retrace your steps and stay safe while hiking.
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