Sony has rolled out firmware updates that make its flagship WF-1000XM5 earbuds and WH-1000XM6 headphones work notably better with Samsung Galaxy phones by enabling Bluetooth LE Audio features like Auracast-based Audio Sharing, head tracking, and deeper Fast Pair integration. The updates also add Google’s Gemini Live support and improved Find Hub device-finding on Android, enhancing daily use for Galaxy owners as long as the phone supports LE Audio and the headphones are re-paired after updating.
What’s new
- Audio Sharing via Google Fast Pair lets two wireless headphones connect to one Galaxy phone simultaneously using Bluetooth LE Audio’s Auracast, so both listeners hear the same stream in sync for music or videos.
- Private audio broadcasts can be created so others can join by scanning a QR code or through Fast Pair, broadening sharing beyond just two listeners when supported devices are nearby.
- Head tracking now works over LE Audio, bringing more precise spatial audio behavior on compatible content and devices after the firmware update and re-pairing.
- Google’s Gemini Live arrives on both models, enabling continuous, interruptible conversational AI access directly through the headphones on supported Android devices.
- The WF-1000XM5 gains per-earbud tracking through Google’s Find Hub, allowing each bud to be located individually and letting users disable Find Hub entirely without the charging case.
Why it matters for Galaxy
- Galaxy owners with LE Audio support can now mirror Apple-style audio sharing natively on Android with Sony’s flagships, pairing two sets at once from a single phone for trips, flights, or co-watching sessions.
- Samsung’s own buds (Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro) already support similar sharing, and Sony’s adoption means cross-brand audio sharing now works across Galaxy and Sony sets via Fast Pair on supported devices.
- This move improves cross-ecosystem convenience, reducing the need to match phone and headphone brands to access premium sharing and spatial features on modern Galaxy phones.
Supported models and firmware
- The update targets Sony’s current flagships: WF-1000XM5 earbuds and WH-1000XM6 over-ears, delivered as firmware 6.0.0 for XM5 and 3.0.0 for XM6 globally via Sony’s mobile app.
- Notebookcheck and other outlets note expanded LE Audio usage for digital assistant access, head tracking, Audio Sharing, and Find Hub, plus unspecified security improvements included in the packages.
Requirements on Samsung phones
- A Samsung Galaxy device with Bluetooth LE Audio support is required for Audio Sharing and head tracking, with The Verge noting that various recent Galaxy models qualify alongside newer Pixel and OnePlus phones.
- After updating the headphones, users must re-pair them to the Galaxy device to activate LE Audio features; skipping re-pairing can prevent Audio Sharing and head tracking from appearing.
How to update and enable
- Update through Sony’s mobile app (now called Sony | Sound Connect, formerly Headphones Connect), which delivers and installs the new firmware after connecting the headphones in-app .
- Once the firmware is installed, remove the existing Bluetooth pairing and re-pair the WF-1000XM5 or WH-1000XM6 to the Galaxy phone so LE Audio features initialize properly.
- To use Audio Sharing, connect two LE Audio–compatible headphones via Fast Pair or start a private broadcast and let a second listener join via QR code or the Fast Pair prompt on their device.
Extra features and caveats
- Find Hub on Android now allows locating each XM5 earbud independently and offers a full disable option without using the case, improving privacy and control compared to earlier behavior.
- Gemini Live support enables natural conversation through the headphones with the ability to interrupt and change topics, reflecting Google’s ongoing AI integration across Android audio accessories.
- Security enhancements are part of the release, though Sony has not detailed them; updating promptly is advisable to benefit from both new features and behind-the-scenes hardening.
Bottom line
Sony’s latest firmware unlocks Android-native Audio Sharing, head tracking over LE Audio, smarter finding, and Gemini Live on the WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6, significantly improving the experience on Samsung Galaxy phones with LE Audio support. Update throughthrough Sony | Sound Connect, re-pair to the Galaxy device, and start sharing audio or tapping Gemini Live to get the most from these flagships in the Samsung ecosystem .
