Galaxy S26 Ultra Users: Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Now Supports 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Res Audio via Samsung’s Seamless Codec

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro now support 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Res audio on Galaxy S26 Ultra via Seamless Codec, according to SamMobile. This extends the buds’ high-fidelity playback to the flagship device, improving audio quality for users who pair them with the S26 Ultra.

Samsung’s Seamless Codec enables lossless audio transmission between the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and compatible devices. While the feature was previously available on select Samsung phones, including the Galaxy S24 Ultra, its addition to the S26 Ultra lineup—released in June 2026—marks a broader adoption of high-resolution audio support across Samsung’s latest flagship.

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro were announced in March 2026 with support for 24-bit/96kHz audio, but Samsung initially limited this capability to devices running One UI 6.1 or later. The S26 Ultra ships with One UI 6.2 out of the box, ensuring seamless compatibility. SamMobile confirmed the feature through hands-on testing, noting that users can enable Hi-Res audio in the buds’ settings menu under "Sound Quality."

This update aligns with broader industry trends toward high-resolution audio in wireless earbuds. Competitors like Sony and Apple have long supported 24-bit/96kHz playback on their premium wireless audio products, but Samsung’s integration of this feature into its ecosystem—rather than as a standalone accessory—reflects a shift toward unified audio experiences across its hardware lineup. The move also underscores Samsung’s emphasis on audio fidelity as a differentiator in its wireless audio segment.

For users, the addition means that those with the Galaxy S26 Ultra can now enjoy lossless audio quality from their Buds 4 Pro without needing additional adapters or third-party workarounds. Samsung has not yet confirmed whether future Buds models or software updates will expand Hi-Res audio support to older Galaxy devices, but the trend suggests a push toward broader compatibility in the coming years.

SamMobile’s testing also revealed that the Seamless Codec maintains low latency during audio playback, a critical factor for users who rely on the Buds 4 Pro for gaming or professional audio applications. The codec’s efficiency allows for high bitrates without significantly impacting battery life, though SamMobile did not provide specific battery duration figures for Hi-Res mode compared to standard playback.

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro remain one of the few wireless earbuds in 2026 to offer both active noise cancellation and high-resolution audio in a single package. Their $249 price point positions them as a premium alternative to Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and Sony’s WF-1000XM5, though the latter still holds a slight edge in noise cancellation performance, according to independent reviews from The Verge and RTINGS.

Samsung has not disclosed whether the Seamless Codec will be extended to other wireless audio products, such as the Galaxy Watch 6 series or the upcoming Galaxy Buds Live. However, the integration with the S26 Ultra suggests a strategic focus on creating a cohesive audio ecosystem within Samsung’s hardware portfolio.

For developers, the Seamless Codec’s inclusion in the S26 Ultra could influence app design, particularly for audio-focused applications. Apps leveraging high-resolution audio—such as music streaming services or professional audio editing tools—may now optimize their Samsung-specific features for the Buds 4 Pro, potentially improving user experiences on the platform.

The update also raises questions about future compatibility. While Samsung has historically supported backward compatibility for its accessories, the reliance on One UI 6.1 or later for Hi-Res audio suggests that older devices may remain excluded unless a software update retroactively enables the feature. Users with the Galaxy S25 Ultra or earlier models will need to wait for potential firmware updates to access this functionality.

SamMobile’s report did not address potential regional variations in the feature’s availability. Historically, Samsung has rolled out certain audio features in phases, with some markets receiving updates before others. Users outside North America or Europe may need to monitor Samsung’s regional support schedules for confirmation.

In summary, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro’s Hi-Res audio support on the Galaxy S26 Ultra represents a meaningful enhancement for audiophiles and power users. While the feature was already available on select devices, its inclusion in Samsung’s latest flagship underscores the company’s commitment to high-fidelity audio in its wireless ecosystem. For now, users with the S26 Ultra can expect a seamless, high-quality listening experience, though broader adoption across Samsung’s device lineup remains pending.