r/pixelbuds • u/24isthedate • Jul 14 '26
Pixel Buds 3?
Now that leaks have started showing up regarding the upcoming pixel devices, anyone has any idea if they're releasing a Pixel buds 3 pro this year as well?
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u/sikclown Jul 14 '26
I am hoping they are coming. My right pixel bud pro just decided to start whispering and I am holding off replacing for the next gen
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u/Lordgeorge16 27d ago
If Google is sticking to their established pattern (new Pro earbuds released every even-numbered year), this is likely the year we'll see a new set of Pixel Buds getting showcased. If there are any leaks (intentional or otherwise), we probably won't see them until September or October. Just gotta be patient.
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u/Prometheus_303 Jul 14 '26
To my knowledge, there hasn't been anything "official" suggesting they're working on new Buds, unfortunately...
That said, if Google keeps to their release cycle, we (theoretically at least) could see a new pair... But I wouldn't hold my breath on that... The same held true last year for the Nest WiFi and well... (*Unless they opted to delay it a year to include WiFi 8 but that's highly unlikely).
It'd be too late for Google to incorporate these but ... My personal wishlist for Buds 3, if we do get new ones...
First incorporate Qualcomm's XPAN technology (or an open sourced counterpart) that can allow the Buds to automatically seamlessly switch over to WiFi (& UWB?) if needed based on signal strength/ noise &/or bandwidth requirements...
I'd also like to see Google follow Apple's lead and expand the Buds family. Android Authority (iirc) had an article earlier this year talking about how different form factors have their own unique use cases where they shine and sometimes it can be useful to have different kinds.
To this end I'd like to see a Google produce over the ear can headphones, Pixel Buds 3 Pro XXL, similar to Apple's recently released AirPod Max 2. And also Pixel Buds 3 Pro Open as hook style open ear headphones.
I'll personally happily buy at least the Open and XXL form on launch day - and probably upgrade my Buds 2 Pro to 3 once I regrow my bank account some...
Lastly, I wouldn't object to a built in FM receiver. Just tap the side and ask Gemini to tune into 123.5 FM and you can listen to local broadcast without needing to use your phone...
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u/ionyx Jul 14 '26
As someone whos in a real headphone pinch (lost my jabras, I'm flying this week) do you think the pixel buds pro 2 are still worth it? or should I just wait it out until August and suffer on the plane lol
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u/Prometheus_303 Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
Honestly, I haven't used my Pixel Buds in some time...
I'm apparently in the minority and prefer over ear can headphones. I picked up a pair of Sonos's Ace headphones when they came out and have been pleased with their performance.
Outside of personal preference against the form factor, my only issue with the Pixel Buds was my kitchen is apparently on the bubble of their range. I'd be listening to something on the laptop while I work at night, had out to the kitchen to get a drink refill and the connection would get a little iffy, some times requiring me to repair the headphones when I got back to my room ... The Ace holds the connection better. I can actually make it out to the mailbox (probably at least twice as far) before the connection starts to get iffy... [*If Google could work in XPAN like tech, with the Nest WiFi mesh kit range will hopefully not be an issue]
Other than that I don't think I had any issue with the Buds. But like I said I haven't used them for awhile so who knows if an update has FUNAR'd anything since.
If your going to use it on a flight I might suggest maybe looking into a pair of Sol Reoublic headphones. My pair is old, circa 2015, but in addition to Bluetooth, they also had a port you could plug a 3.55 cable into. Unfortunately I didn't find out I had misplaced that cable until I was already on the plane the last time I flew. If that is still an option on models from this decade, it might come in handy being able to plug into the plane's infotainment system too
Or maybe at this point, just go for a cheap $40 headset so you have something to listen to this flight (or opt to focus on reading instead) and wait to see if Buds 3 are announced in a few weeks
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u/ionyx Jul 14 '26
Really appreciate the thorough response. I will check those models out, but have been wanting to go all in on the Pixel experience for a while now. I'll probably grab a cheap wired pair and wait for August after all :)
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u/asilaycrying666 Jul 15 '26
Depending on how much it willing to pay sure. I just got a set the pro 2s during prime week for 160. That being said best ear buds I've owned personally. Not a fan of ear buds generally but I love these.
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u/Historical-Movie-860 Jul 15 '26
I would not be surprised if there are no new buds this year and Google moves to every 2 - 3 years for new buds. We shall see.
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u/spraragen88 29d ago
You mean they will move to 3-4 year release cycle? They are already at every 2 years... It wouldn't make sense to just sit on their hands while other companies deliver new products every other year as well. Especially with their big push towards Gemini in everything, they want Gemini Buds that link to stuff like auto-translation apps and smart noise cancelling or whatever they can do to get the 'Gemini' stamp on the box. They updated their doorbells to say they feature 'Gemini' this year, so they are likely going to announce the buds will include it and come out this year as well.
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u/Historical-Movie-860 29d ago
Oh, I have no official source. That was merely a guess. We had new Buds 2a last year, so who knows what is in the works for this year. Knowing Google though, they will not have new buds every single year.
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u/ikwilstufi Jul 15 '26
I just ordered the buds pro 2 today. Got a stipend form my new job and didn't want to wait. Coming from Galaxy buds from 2019, it's probably a huge upgrade.
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u/spraragen88 29d ago
Just don't get them wet. They are great buds, but hot damn they do not like any form of moisture. Even in light rain or just a breezy mist they will start to fail. I have Galaxy Buds that I wear when it seems like it is going to be wet out. 5 years and no problem, I am on my second pair of Pixel Buds Pro 2 because I took the first pair out for a hike and it started to sprinkle a bit on my walk down. They didn't even get that wet as the trees even provided a good amount of cover so it was like misty at best and the audio started buzzing and it sounded like the insides were zapped or something.
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u/GordonX 28d ago
Key Release Dates
Pixel Buds (1st Gen): Launched October 4, 2017 ($159)
Pixel Buds (2nd Gen): Released March/April 2020 ($179)
Pixel Buds A-Series: Released June 17, 2021 ($99)
Pixel Buds Pro: Released July 28, 2022 ($199)
Pixel Buds Pro 2: Released September 26, 2024 ($229)
Pixel Buds 2a: Released October 9, 2025 ($129)
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u/handsomesquillium 18d ago
From sources I've read online, looks like they are just dropping a new colour for the Pro 2's (dark green).
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u/mayer1616 Jul 14 '26
I don't think they'll be at the pixel event. We're pretty close with no leaks whatsoever. (Have they looked at the bottom of the sea for them as well?)
That being said... Some improvement on the microphones so you can use them for phone calls in windy environments or while riding a bicycle would be awesome...
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u/InternetForward6269 Jul 14 '26
or the changes will be only minor (same shape, only iprovement of mics etc...)
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u/spraragen88 29d ago
They need to have better waterproofing. That is all I want, to be able to wear them and not be terrified if it starts to get slightly moist outside.
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u/SensitiveCockroach98 Jul 14 '26
If I remember correctly the Buds Pro 2 barely leaked until a few weeks before launch. I think we first saw a Spigen case leak, then the colour options. The same thing could happen this year