Google's Pixel Buds Pro launched in May 2022 as the company's premium wireless earbuds offering active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and seamless integration with Android. Over the following years, the earbuds received numerous firmware updates, new features, and eventually a successor in the Pixel Buds Pro 2. This article chronicles every major story and development for the original Pixel Buds Pro through December 2025.
Firmware Update (December 2025)
In December 2025, Google announced a new firmware update for the original Pixel Buds Pro. While specific changelog details were not immediately disclosed, the update aimed to improve connectivity stability and audio performance. This marked one of the last major software updates for the first-generation model as attention shifted to the Pro 2.
Clearance Sale (January 2025)
With the arrival of Pixel Buds Pro 2 in 2024, the Google Store stopped selling the original pair. However, third-party retailers like Woot offered the first-gen Pixel Buds Pro brand new for $109.99—a nearly 50% discount from the original $199.99 price. This clearance sale made the earbuds an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers wanting Google's ecosystem integration.
Noise Control in Android 15 Volume Menu (September 2024)
Following the launch of Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google rolled out a Noise Control feature integrated directly into the Android 15 Volume menu. This allowed users to switch between ANC, transparency, and off modes without opening the Pixel Buds app, providing faster access to audio settings during calls or media playback.
EQ Settings Guide (September 2024)
The Pixel Buds Pro lineup first gained access to equalizer settings months after the original model's release. With the Pixel Buds Pro 2, the same EQ feature was included from the start. Users could adjust bass, treble, and mids through the Pixel Buds app to personalize sound signatures. A how-to guide published in September 2024 explained step-by-step how to tweak these settings for optimal audio quality.
Pixel Buds Pro vs Pixel Buds Pro 2 Comparison (September 2024)
With the release of Pixel Buds Pro 2 in late 2024, many users wondered if the upgrades justified the purchase. A detailed comparison video highlighted differences in design, ANC performance, battery life, and new features like Conversation Detection and better call quality. The Pro 2 offered improved noise cancellation and a smaller charging case, but the original remained a solid performer with most software features backported via updates.
Gemini Integration (September 2024)
Google confirmed that all Pixel Buds models—including the original Pro, A-Series, and Pro 2—would get access to the Gemini LLM as part of an update to how AI assistants work on Bluetooth earbuds. This allowed users to interact with Gemini hands-free, asking questions or controlling smart home devices without needing to pull out their phone.
Touch and Hold Gesture Change (September 2024)
Some Pixel Buds Pro owners reported that the 'touch and hold' gesture no longer read notifications aloud. This change accompanied an update that altered how the 'Hey Google' hotword functioned. While intended to streamline the assistant experience, it left some users frustrated as they lost a preferred method of quickly checking messages.
Battery Capacity Speculation (April 2024)
A supposed regulatory listing surfaced showing battery capacities for the Pixel Buds Pro 2's charging case. However, analysts noted that without context of usage time or charging speed, these numbers provided little practical insight. The listing did not confirm any improvement over the original model's battery life, which was rated at 11 hours with ANC off.
Find My Device Network Support (April 2024)
Google expanded its Find My Device network to support the Pixel 8 series even when the phone is turned off, and announced that Pixel Buds Pro would also be included in the network. This allowed users to locate lost earbuds even if they were offline, leveraging crowdsourced Bluetooth signals from nearby Android devices.
Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 Rumors (March 2024)
Exclusive reports revealed that Google was developing a 45mm size for the upcoming Pixel Watch 3, alongside a sequel to the Pixel Buds Pro. The Pro 2 was said to feature a redesigned ergonomic fit, improved ANC, and possibly a new chip for better power efficiency. These leaks set expectations for the fall hardware event.
Gemini on Phone, Assistant in Ears (February 2024)
A notable user experience article described how the Gemini app on a phone paired with Google Assistant through Pixel Buds Pro created a productive balance. Users could leverage Gemini's advanced AI for complex queries on their phone while relying on Assistant's simpler voice commands for quick tasks like timers and alarms through the earbuds.
Year in Review: 2023 (December 2023)
Looking back at 2023, the Pixel Buds Pro solidified their position as Google's leading wireless earbuds. With several software updates adding Conversation Detection, Hearing Wellness, and a web app for Chromebooks, the earbuds matured significantly. The year also saw the introduction of two new colors—Bay Blue and Porcelain—to match the Pixel 8 lineup.
Assistant Quick Phrases Official (December 2023)
Google officially announced Assistant Quick Phrases for Pixel Buds Pro, allowing users to answer or decline calls and snooze alarms without saying 'Hey Google' first. This feature, previously available on Pixel phones, made hands-free control more seamless during workouts or when multitasking.
Need for Better ANC in Sequel (November 2023)
In a retrospective article, a reviewer noted that while the Pixel Buds Pro were still their favorite earbuds due to comfort and integration, the active noise cancellation needed improvement compared to competitors like Sony and Bose. This feedback anticipated the enhancements expected in the upcoming Pro 2.
Google Store Discounts (October 2023)
The Google Store offered significant discounts on several devices, including $100 off the Pixel Tablet, $199 original Pixel Watch, and price cuts on Pixel Buds Pro. These promotions encouraged customers to stay within Google's ecosystem.
Replacement Case Availability (October 2023)
Google began selling replacement charging cases for Pixel Buds Pro in the US, addressing a common pain point for users who lost or damaged their original case. The move was praised for extending the product's lifespan and reducing electronic waste.
Pixel Buds Web App (October 2023)
Google launched a Pixel Buds web app for Chromebooks, enabling users to adjust settings, check battery levels, and update firmware directly from their Chrome browser without needing a phone. This streamlined the setup process for Chromebook users.
5.9 Update with Conversation Detection (October 2023)
The Pixel Buds Pro software version 5.9 rolled out widely in October 2023, introducing Conversation Detection—a feature that automatically pauses audio and activates transparency mode when the wearer starts speaking. It also included improvements to spatial audio and Hear ID.
Two New Colors and Major Update (October 2023)
At the Made by Google 2023 event, Google announced Bay Blue and Porcelain color options for Pixel Buds Pro, alongside a major software update that added the aforementioned Conversation Detection, Hearing Wellness (which tracked hearing health metrics), and a new 'Bluetooth Multipoint' toggle in the app.
Pixel Buds App Readies Hearing Wellness (October 2023)
An APK teardown of the Pixel Buds app revealed strings for 'Hearing Wellness' and 'Conversation Detection' ahead of the official announcement. The app also hinted at a new user interface for adjusting ANC levels.
New Colors Leak (September 2023)
Images surfaced showing the two new colors—Bay Blue and Porcelain—weeks before the official launch, confirming earlier rumors. The colors matched the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, reinforcing Google's strategy of cohesive product families.
Discount Codes (September 2023)
Google emailed 40% off discount codes for Pixel Buds Pro and A-Series to select customers, potentially clearing inventory ahead of the new color launch. This was one of the steepest official discounts ever offered for the earbuds.
Poll: What Would You Change in Pixel Buds Pro 2? (September 2023)
With rumors of a sequel circulating, a poll asked users what improvements they wanted most. The top responses included stronger ANC, longer battery life, easier touch controls, and a smaller case. These preferences likely influenced the development of Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Source: Two New Colors for Pixel 8 (September 2023)
According to exclusive sources, Google planned to introduce 'Porcelain' and 'Sky Blue' (later renamed Bay Blue) colors for the Pixel Buds Pro to align with the Pixel 8 flagship phones. The move aimed to refresh the lineup without a full hardware overhaul.
Source: 9to5Google News