Apple Translate Vs. Google Translate: Which Is Better In 2024?

In this interconnected world that consists of people from different countries having their own langauges , translation apps are a godsend.

These apps allow you to translate from one language to another with a simple tap of a button. Currently, there are two apps you can use: Apple Translate and Google Translate.

So, in this article, let’s take a look at some of the features they offer and figure out which one is better in 2024.

Pros of Google Translate

Cons of Google Translate

My Experience with Apple Translate and Google Translate

Final Verdict

Apple Translate

Apple Translate was released much later than Google Translate which means that it has a lot of catching-up to do. Still, it has a lot of features that make it a great translation app, especially if you own Apple devices.

The app was released on September 16, 2020, along with the iOS 14 update. The app can be used offline and comes built-in with all macOS and iOS devices.

Pros of Apple Translate

Here are some of the things I love about using Apple Translate:

• Focus on Privacy: With the Translate app, Apple has emphasized the privacy of the user by processing translations using the Neural engine on-device. This means that the text isn’t sent to Apple’s servers which helps enhance data security.
• Natural Language Processing: Apple uses techniques for advanced natural language processing which helps provide a lot more accurate translations while maintaining the context of the text.
• Seamless Integration: Apple is known for providing some of the best integration among their devices. The same is the case with Apple Translate. You can translate using your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Mac and move between devices seamlessly.
• Better Conversation: Apple Translate also allows you to have real-time conversations. This means that what you say is translated in real-time for the other person to view, and the other language can be translated while they speak as well for your convenience.
• User Interface: The design of the Apple Translate app is minimalistic, yet clean. Translate app is designed to simplify the translation sections which makes it intuitive as well as easy on the eyes. Each section is neatly divided which makes it easy to switch between the features.

Cons of Apple Translate

While Apple Translate has a lot of advantages, it also has a few things I don’t like. These are:

• Platform Restrictions: Apple Translate is only available to use on Apple’s devices which means that you can only use it on iOS, iPadOS, Apple TV, Apple Watch, HomePod, and macOS. This significantly limits the users who use operating systems other than iOS or MacOS.
• Limited Languages: Apple Translate is limited to only 18 languages as of iOS 17. This is a lot less when compared to the languages offered by Google and can be a limitation for users who need to translate to less common languages.

Google Translate

Google Translate is another widely used translation tool available currently. It supports a whopping 133 languages. Although it’s a great translation tool if you’re using the Google ecosystem, the service can also be used on the web.

The Google Translate service was released on April 28, 2006, and used the Statistical Machine Translation (SMT) approach. Google later updated it to use the Neural Machine Translation approach on November 15, 2016.

Pros of Google Translate

Here are some of the best things about using Google Translate:

• Accessibility: Google Translate can be used on virtually any modern computing platform, as long as it has an internet connection and web browser. A mobile app is also available for download and use on Android and iOS along with the web interface.
• Extensive List of Languages: Google Translate has around 133 languages. While not all languages support features like voice input and text-to-speech, you can still do general translations.
• Handwriting Translation: For people who like the pen-and-paper feel, Google Translate offers handwriting support which allows you to translate by simply writing characters on the screen.

Cons of Google Translate

Google Translate offers a lot of functionality. Still, there are some downsides to it. These are:

• Context and Accuracy: Although Google Translate has improved a lot over the years, it still struggles with conveying the context and precise meaning of the text which can lead to inaccuracies, especially with the less common languages.
• Internet Dependency: Google Translate relies on the internet for most of its features to work, which can be a huge limitation in a lot of situations.

My Experience with Apple Translate and Google Translate

Although both Apple and Google’s translation apps have their pros and cons, their utility in real-life situations is what matters the most.

I went to Calle Ocho in Little Havana, which was the perfect opportunity to try out both apps to see how they work.

With Google Translate, I felt that communication was smoother since the translations were more accurate. However, there was a huge problem. It needed an internet connection to work properly.

Thankfully, I was able to call número de teléfono de Spectrum and get their out-of-home WiFi access which allowed me to get speedy translations.

But Apple Translate gave me a much better experience. I was able to download the Spanish pack beforehand and was able to use the conversation feature to have real-time conversations with the people there which ended up feeling much more intuitive.

Final Verdict

You’re going to have a great experience with both apps if you’re able to get access to them. However, if you’re using a non-Apple device, you’re going to be stuck with Google Translate or other language translation apps like DeepL.

So, give them both a try and see which one works best for your needs.

Photo credit: HWM.