-
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Receive Major AI Assistant Upgrade for Smarter, Hands-Free Experience.
-
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 are getting a significant upgrade with the integration of Google’s Gemini AI assistant.
-
This powerful assistant brings features like quick answers, real-time language translation, and smart home control—all hands-free.
-
The update enhances convenience and productivity for users on the go.
-
However the feature is currently exclusive to devices running One UI 8, such as the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 offer impressive audio and sleek design, they’ve long had a notable drawback—the default use of Bixby as their voice assistant. Although users could switch to Google Assistant, the improvement wasn’t substantial, especially with Google Assistant slowly being phased out.
However a recent upgrade brings a game-changing shift the Buds 3 now support Gemini, Google’s next-gen AI assistant, delivering a smarter, more responsive, and future-ready experience.
Samsung is officially rolling out Gemini support for the Galaxy Buds 3 series
Marking a major step in Google’s broader plan to replace Google Assistant across its ecosystem. Announced earlier this year, the transition now extends to earbuds, aligning with similar updates for smartwatches and other devices.
Eligible users will spot a new “Set up Google digital assistant” option within the Galaxy Wearable app, under the “Voice controls” section. This allows them to replace Bixby with the more advanced Gemini AI for a smarter, hands-free experience. This setting enables Buds 3 owners to swap out the default Bixby assistant for the more advanced and capable Gemini AI.
Gemini on the Galaxy Buds 3
Users gain hands-free access to powerful features like real-time translation, notification summaries, smart home control, and quick answers—all via natural voice commands. It’s a big leap forward in AI integration for earbuds.
However there’s a major catch the feature requires a device running One UI 8, based on Android 16. Currently, Gemini support is limited to the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7. While a limited beta is available for the Galaxy S25 series and a few other devices, broader support will likely roll out in the coming months—so there’s no urgent need to jump on beta firmware just for this.
The Gemini rollout for the Galaxy Buds 3 series is facing inconsistent availability, even for users with compatible devices. Although reports of the update began surfacing in late July, many users with compatible hardware—like a Galaxy Z Fold 7 paired with Galaxy Buds 3 Pro—still haven’t seen the Gemini option appear.
Even if you meet all the hardware and software requirements, it seems the update is being staggered, and you might have to wait several more days or even weeks before Gemini becomes accessible on your earbuds.
If you own one of Samsung’s new foldables along with the Galaxy Buds 3, it’s worth checking periodically to see if the Gemini option becomes available.
Users with other Samsung devices eligible for the upcoming One UI 8 update might also gain access in the near future.
As the rollout continues, more users are expected to see the “Set up Google digital assistant” option appear in the Galaxy Wearable app.