Android 16 Beta 3 Brings Better Hearing Aid Support with Bluetooth Auracast

Google recently announced the release of Android 16 Beta 3, which includes improved support for hearing aids through Bluetooth Auracast. Excitingly, Samsung devices running One UI 7.0 (based on Android 15) will now offer this enhanced feature for select hearing aid brands. Other Android devices will receive this update with Android 16.

Better Hearing Aid Support with One UI 7.0

Samsung’s Android 15-based One UI 7.0 brings significant improvements for users with hearing aids. By leveraging the Bluetooth LE-based Auracast protocol, Galaxy devices now support hearing aids from brands like GN Hearing and Starkey.

This means that people using compatible Samsung phones or tablets with Bluetooth LE hearing aids can stream audio broadcasts in public spaces like airports (for announcements), museums (for guided tours), and more. This feature makes accessibility much easier for those relying on hearing aids.

Google also confirmed that Pixel devices and other Android brands will gain similar capabilities with the Android 16 update.

Samsung’s Auracast Journey So Far

Samsung first introduced Auracast support with One UI 5.1.1, but its functionality was limited to joining existing Auracasts. With One UI 6.1, the company took things a step further, allowing Galaxy devices to create Auracast streams.

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and newer Galaxy Buds also support Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast. Auracast capabilities for these earbuds were rolled out with the One UI 6.1 update last year.

What is Bluetooth Auracast?

Bluetooth Auracast is built on the Bluetooth LE Audio protocol, enhancing how audio is transmitted and received. With One UI 7.0, Samsung has further refined this technology to work seamlessly with LE Audio-compatible hearing aids.

To make Auracast broadcasts easier to access, Google and Samsung collaborated with Bluetooth SIG to introduce standardized QR codes. Now, instead of digging through settings, users can simply scan a QR code with their phone to join an Auracast broadcast quickly and effortlessly.

This is a significant step forward in ensuring accessibility for everyone, particularly for those who rely on hearing aids in their daily lives.