Pixel phones get Android Audio Sharing with LE Audio and Auracast support

Google Pixel

Google has announced that Pixel devices running Android 16 can now use LE Audio with Auracast, enabling the long-promised Audio Sharing feature. The update, part of Android 16 QPR1, allows multiple headphones to connect to a single Pixel phone, creating a shared audio experience.

LE Audio, introduced in 2022 alongside the new L3C codec, allows a single transmitter device to stream audio to several compatible headphones simultaneously. Both the phone and the headphones must support LE Audio for the feature to function, which has been the main barrier to adoption.

With today’s update, Pixel devices from the Pixel 8 series onward can officially use LE Audio Auracast. The Audio Sharing option now appears in settings, letting users broadcast audio to multiple compatible devices at once. However, the update does not extend support to the Pixel 8a or Pixel 9a, which do not support Auracast.

Google also confirmed that some Sony headphones will gain Auracast support, though the specific models were not listed. Pixel Buds 2, which support LE Audio on paper but did not work with Android 16 QPR1 beta, may now be compatible in the stable release.

Sharing audio is straightforward. Users can start streaming via the Bluetooth Quick Tile or Google Fast Pair. Compatible headphones, such as the Sony QF-1000XM6, appear in a Fast Pair card for quick connection. Pixel and Samsung devices with LE Audio support can also create private broadcasts. Others can join these broadcasts by scanning a generated QR code, making it simple to share audio with a group.

Auracast opens up new possibilities for shared listening, whether for music, podcasts or video audio. By connecting multiple headphones to a single device, it allows groups to enjoy the same content without disturbing others nearby. Users should note that both the transmitting phone and receiving headphones must support LE Audio; otherwise, the Audio Sharing feature cannot be enabled.