As a developer striving to make your app accessible to users around the globe, the language barrier can often feel like a significant hurdle. Unreliable third-party translation tools only add to the frustration. Fortunately, Apple’s recent introduction of its Translation API with iOS 17.4 promises to be the solution developers have been eagerly awaiting.
Unveiled during one of the WWDC 2024 sessions, the new Translation API is a significant upgrade for iOS app developers. This API allows third-party apps to utilize Apple’s on-device machine learning models for translation, eliminating the need for third-party services. This advancement offers a robust translation feature that works offline, sharing models with Apple Translate to optimize storage and performance.
Apple Translate has been an integral part of the iOS ecosystem since iOS 14, initially supporting 11 languages and expanding to 18 languages by iOS 16. The new Translation API simplifies the process of translating text across multiple languages within apps, enabling developers to quickly display translations in the app’s user interface and handle larger text batches efficiently.
The future of app development with iOS looks even more promising with the upcoming release of iOS 18. Currently in developer preview and set to enter public beta soon, iOS 18 will bring even more advanced translation capabilities. Developers can look forward to features such as translating single strings or multiple batches of text and displaying results seamlessly within the app’s interface.
The official release of iOS 18 is slated for this fall, and with it, the Translation API will likely see further enhancements, making apps more connected and universally accessible than ever before.
For developers, the introduction of Apple’s Translation API is a significant leap forward. Here’s why:
- Offline Functionality: The ability to translate text without an internet connection ensures that your app remains functional and reliable, regardless of connectivity.
- Optimized Performance: By sharing models with Apple Translate, the API optimizes both storage and performance, ensuring that your app runs smoothly without unnecessary bloat.
- Simplified Integration: The API allows for easy integration of translation features within your app’s UI, making the development process more straightforward and efficient.
- Broader Reach: With support for a growing number of languages, your app can cater to a more diverse global audience, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.
