Language centre urges Apple talks over Latvian iPhone support

The State Language Centre says direct talks with Apple are the likeliest way to bring a Latvian-language interface to iPhones, while two ministries are not preparing proposals to address the issue, LSM reported.

The lack of Latvian on iPhones means some users are more often shown online content in Russian, the report said. The issue has been raised before.

The State Language Centre acknowledges the problem but says changing the law would not be the right solution, as it could create difficulties for manufacturers of other digital devices, such as thermometers and blood pressure monitors.

The centre says an EU regulation requiring devices sold in member states to offer interfaces in their languages could be one option. Its deputy director for development, Arturs Krastins, said it would be more promising to approach Apple directly and seek the company’s interest in adding Latvian. The state could also support Apple by providing language data, he said.

Krastins said many apps, including those from Latvian companies, already offer Latvian interfaces. He also noted that users could choose another foreign language, such as Italian.