Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 get Google Gemini access, but only on some phones

Samsung’s latest earbuds are getting Gemini integration, but not all at once. As reported by SamMobile, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro now let you talk to Gemini when the buds are paired with a phone running One UI 8.

The latest firmware update for Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro, available now, enables this functionality. The hitch is that Gemini is only accessible when your buds are paired with a Galaxy phone running One UI 8, which, as of now, is only broadly available on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.

One UI 8 is also available in beta on the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung announced today that the beta will also be available on the Galaxy S24 series, as well as the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, starting August 11. The program will expand further, to include the S23 series, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and more devices in September.

Available now on Samsung’s fanciest phones

If you’ve got a One UI 8-equipped phone and the Galaxy Buds 3 or Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, you can enable Gemini integration in the Galaxy Wearable app. You’ll find an option called Set up Google digital assistant under Earbuds settings -> Voice controls. If you’re not seeing that option, make sure your earbuds’ firmware is up to date (in Galaxy Wearable, Earbuds settings -> Earbuds software update).

Once activated, you can call on Gemini on the Galaxy Buds 3 either by saying “Hey Google” or long-pressing on either earbud.

Samsung hasn’t yet committed to a rollout window for stable One UI 8. Given the beta program is scheduled to expand through September, it seems like non-beta users will have to wait at least that long to get their hands on it.