Your Google Pixel 9 is getting a free audio upgrade – and it can't come sooner

During Samsung’s Unpacked event, Google announced that the new Galaxy S25 devices and the latest Pixel 9 phones will support Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio. 

This feature isn’t exactly new for Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy phones, as the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 already supported LE Audio, but the added benefit is still worth noting.

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Compatibility with LE Audio makes the phones function better when paired with the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro earbuds, and other Auracast-enabled Bluetooth speakers, headphones, earbuds, and hearing aids. Here’s what else you gain from the free upgrade.

Broadcast audio from one device to many others

The LE Audio Bluetooth protocol includes Auracast, a Bluetooth feature that allows users to broadcast audio from one device to many other devices. For example, if you’re watching a YouTube video on your Galaxy S25 smartphone through your Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, a nearby friend can listen to it with their Auracast-enabled headphones.

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Galaxy S25 users can also tune into Auracast broadcasts with their Galaxy Buds. In this instance, your smartphone acts as a broadcast assistant, allowing you to connect to a broadcast, such as a silent TV in a sports bar or gym. Connect your Galaxy Buds to your smartphone, and the earbuds act as the broadcast receiver, allowing you to listen to the broadcast privately.

High-quality audio while using less power

LE Audio also provides stable Bluetooth connections that deliver high-quality audio while using less power, which should help preserve your smartphone’s and audio device’s battery life. According to Google, the Galaxy S25 lineup’s compatibility with LE Audio enables hands-free calling, personalized audio adjustments, and low-latency connectivity to GN ReSound and Oticon hearing aids.

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These hearing aids can easily connect to an Auracast-enabled smartphone, similar to how you’d connect any Bluetooth device to your phone. However, LE Audio allows for more transparent and richer sound than a Classic Bluetooth connection. Its more efficient power consumption also enables hearing aids using LE Audio to last longer between charges.

GN ReSound and Oticon hearing aids will be compatible with LE Audio on the Galaxy S25 lineup at launch, the Pixel 9 with Android 16 beta, and the Galaxy S24 with Android 15 in the coming weeks.