Since its launch in May 2022, Google’s Pixel Buds Pro have become one of the most popular pairs of true wireless earbuds on the market. Over the years, Google has continued to refine the product with a steady stream of firmware updates, new color options, and software enhancements. This roundup covers the most significant news stories and key facts about the Pixel Buds Pro, from the original release to the most recent developments in 2025.
Firmware Updates: What’s New for Original Pixel Buds Pro
Google has consistently supported the original Pixel Buds Pro with firmware updates long after launch. In December 2025, the company announced another update aimed at improving performance and stability. While the exact changelog was not fully detailed, it continued Google’s pattern of delivering incremental enhancements to the earbuds. This update arrived just as the Pixel Buds Pro 2 was becoming the company’s flagship audio offering, but it underscored Google’s commitment to keeping the first-gen model relevant.
Earlier, in October 2023, Google rolled out the Pixel Buds Pro 5.9 update, which brought Conversation Detection. This feature automatically pauses audio and enables transparency mode when it detects that you are speaking, making it easier to have quick conversations without removing the earbuds. The update also included Hearing Wellness features, such as volume monitoring and hearing health notification, and was announced alongside the Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2 event. The 5.9 update was widely available shortly after its announcement.
Another notable software change came in September 2024, when some Pixel Buds Pro owners received a prompt that the “touch and hold” gesture would no longer read notifications. This change was part of a broader adjustment to how notifications are handled on the earbuds, and it generated feedback from users who relied on the gesture for hands-free updates.
Software and Integration: From Quick Phrases to Gemini
Google has integrated the Pixel Buds Pro deeply into its ecosystem. In December 2023, the company officially announced that Assistant Quick Phrases would be available on Pixel Buds Pro. Quick Phrases allow you to respond to alarms, timers, and calls without saying “Hey Google.” For example, you can simply say “Snooze” or “Stop” when an alarm rings, and the earbuds will handle it. This feature was already present on Pixel phones, but its expansion to the Buds Pro made the hands-free experience more seamless.
In 2024, Google confirmed that Gemini, its large language model, would be coming to all Pixel Buds, including the Pro, A-Series, and newer models. This marked a shift from Google Assistant to Gemini as the default AI assistant on Bluetooth earbuds. The integration allowed Pixel Buds users to interact with Gemini through voice commands, although the transition was gradual. In February 2024, one reporter noted that using Google Assistant through Pixel Buds Pro became more frequent while testing the Gemini app, and that the balance between the two assistants was actually pleasant.
The Pixel Buds web app also arrived in 2023, allowing users to manage their earbuds from a Chromebook. The web app was announced alongside the Conversation Detection and Hearing Wellness features, and it provided a convenient way to adjust settings, check battery levels, and update firmware without needing a phone. The web app was particularly useful for ChromeOS users who did not have an Android device.
New Colors, Design, and Accessories
The original Pixel Buds Pro launched in several colors, but in October 2023, Google added two new options: Bay Blue and Porcelain. These colors were designed to match the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel 8 series, and they gave the earbuds a fresh look. Prior to the official announcement, leaked images had shown exactly what these new colors would look like, and they were confirmed at the Made by Google event.
In September 2023, a source reported that the Pixel Buds Pro would add “Porcelain” and “Sky Blue” colors to match the Pixel 8 lineup. This report proved accurate, as the official announcement in October included these colors. The addition of new colors was seen as a way to maintain interest in the earbuds before the eventual release of the Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Beyond colors, Google also made accessories more accessible. In October 2023, Google began selling replacement cases for the Pixel Buds Pro in the United States. Previously, only replacement earbuds were available. This move was welcomed by users who had lost or damaged their charging case, as it saved them from having to buy an entirely new set of earbuds.
Deals, Discounts, and Sales
Throughout its lifecycle, the Pixel Buds Pro saw numerous discounts. In September 2023, Google emailed select users a 40% off discount code for the Pixel Buds Pro and the Pixel Buds A-Series. This was a notable promotion ahead of the rumored new colors. Later, in October 2023, the Google Store offered $100 off the Pixel Tablet, reduced the first-gen Pixel Watch to $199.99, and also discounted the Pixel Buds Pro in a series of deals.
After the launch of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in 2024, the Google Store stopped selling the original Pixel Buds Pro. However, retailers like Woot continued to offer them at significant discounts. In January 2025, Woot sold brand new first-gen Pixel Buds Pro for $109.99 in a clearance sale, which was nearly 50% off the original price. This made the original model a compelling budget option for those who did not need the latest features.
Comparing Pixel Buds Pro and Pixel Buds Pro 2
In September 2024, Google launched the Pixel Buds Pro 2, the successor to the original Pixel Buds Pro. The launch was preceded by reports from March 2024 that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 were in development, along with the Pixel Watch 3 in a 45mm size. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 brought several upgrades, including a smaller and lighter design, better active noise cancellation (ANC), and the new Tensor A1 chip. Videos and comparisons highlighted the improvements, but the question of whether it was worth upgrading from the original remained.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also gained a “Noise Control” feature in the Android 15 Volume menu, which was rolled out shortly after the launch. This feature allowed users to quickly switch between ANC and transparency mode directly from the volume panel, making it easier to adjust audio on the fly. The original Pixel Buds Pro also benefited from some of these software updates, but the newer hardware offered better performance.
One of the key criticisms of the original Pixel Buds Pro was the ANC quality. In November 2023, a review noted that while the Pixel Buds Pro were still a favorite pair of earbuds, better ANC was a must for the sequel. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 addressed this with improved noise cancellation, making them a more competitive option against other flagship earbuds.
Find My Device and Battery Information
In April 2024, Google expanded Find My Device capabilities to the Pixel Buds Pro. The new Find My Device network could locate Android phones and tablets even when offline, and the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro could be found even when turned off. This capability was extended to the Pixel Buds Pro, allowing users to locate their lost earbuds using the network. This was a significant addition for those who frequently misplace their earbuds.
Battery information for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 surfaced in April 2024 through a regulatory listing, but it did not provide much useful detail. The listing reportedly included the battery capacity of the charging case, but without more context, it was difficult to draw conclusions about real-world performance. The original Pixel Buds Pro offered up to 11 hours of listening time with ANC off, and the case added an extra 20 hours. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 improved on these numbers slightly.
Google’s Wearables Strategy in 2023
The Pixel Buds Pro played a central role in Google’s wearables strategy in 2023. Alongside the second-generation Pixel Watch, the Pixel Buds Pro rounded out Google’s portfolio of phones, tablets, and foldables. In a year-end review, the Pixel Buds Pro were described as being on “solid footing” in the competitive earbuds market. The focus on software updates and new colors helped the earbuds stay fresh without a hardware refresh.
Google’s commitment to the Pixel Buds Pro was evident in the steady stream of updates and features. From Conversation Detection to Hearing Wellness, the earbuds evolved significantly over their lifespan. This approach differed from competitors that released new hardware annually, and it helped build a loyal user base among Pixel phone owners.
Final Developments and Legacy
By late 2025, the original Pixel Buds Pro had been on the market for over three years. Google’s final firmware update in December 2025 was a sign of the product’s maturity. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 had become the primary offering, but the original remained a viable option for those who wanted a more affordable pair of earbuds with most of the essential features.
Looking back, the Pixel Buds Pro were notable for their strong integration with Google services, comfortable design, and competitive pricing. While they had some shortcomings, such as average ANC and a lack of EQ settings at launch, Google addressed these issues over time with updates. The earbuds’ compatibility with Gemini and the Find My Device network further solidified their place in the Google ecosystem.
For consumers, the Pixel Buds Pro represented a smart choice for Android users, especially those who owned Pixel phones. The seamless pairing, Google Assistant (and later Gemini) integration, and reliable performance made them a go-to recommendation. As the Pixel Buds Pro 2 continues to evolve, the original model’s legacy remains strong, and the news coverage from 2022 to 2025 illustrates a product that was consistently supported and improved by Google.
Source:9to5Google News