Samsung Starts to Offer Galaxy Buds 3 Gemini Support, But Only on Android 16

Samsung has officially begun bringing out Google Gemini support for its Galaxy Buds 3 series after introducing the functionality earlier this year, but there is a catch: it only works with if you're running Android 16 via One UI 8.

Gemini was originally a headline feature for Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2, but it was only a matter of time before other earbuds joined the party. Earlier this year, Samsung confirmed that both the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro would gain Gemini integration, and Google later announced similar support for select Sony earbuds as well.

Now, that rollout is quietly underway.

With the latest firmware updates for the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro, users can now find a new option in the Samsung app under “Voice Controls” labeled “Set up Google Digital Assistant.” This is where you can activate Gemini functionality for your earbuds — as showcased by SamMobile in newly shared screenshots.

However, there are two important caveats. First, you’ll need Android 16 — specifically, Samsung’s One UI 8 — to access this feature. Right now, that update is still in beta and only available on the Galaxy S25 series. Additionally, the recently released Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 have it pre-installed.

We first caught wind of this update in late July, but even after checking multiple times — and keeping both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Buds 3 Pro fully updated — Gemini integration remained nowhere to be found. Now that it's finally beginning to show up, it’s great to see progress, but your experience may vary depending on your device and software version.