Google has rolled out several updates to make Android’s hearing aid and screenreader experiences more accessible on the new Samsung Galaxy S25 smartphone.

For people who are deaf or have hearing loss, the Samsung Galaxy S25 features LE audio features, which Google describes as the “next generation of Bluetooth”. This update enables hands-free calling, easy-to-use personalised audio adjustments, and a low-latency connection to GN Hearing and Oticon Intent hearing aids when paired with a Galaxy S25 device using Android 15.

For example, users can navigate through hearing aid presets depending on what environment they are in, such as outdoors, in a meeting, or in a restaurant.

This integration will also be available on the Pixel 9 with Android 16 beta.

For people who are blind or have sight loss, there are new updates to TalkBack, Android’s screenreader, to make Android devices more accessible. Starting with Samsung Galaxy S25 devices, anyone who uses braille will be able to use their displays via HID, a way to connect to Bluetooth devices.

Google says this update comes following feedback from the blind and sight loss community, as the compatibility ensures people can use their braille displays without additional steps.

Over the coming months, this functionality will begin to work on any phone or tablet using Android 15 (the latest version of the Android mobile operating system). TalkBack will also provide more detailed image descriptions, powered by Gemini models, on Samsung Galaxy S25 devices in the coming weeks.

Recent research found that a personalised hearing intervention led to a significantly higher hearing aid use among people with mild cognitive impairment, a group that is particularly vulnerable to cognitive decline.

The pilot trial was set in community memory clinics across three NHS trusts and involved 58 patients aged 55 or older with untreated hearing loss. The results showed that 75 percent of participants receiving personalised hearing support used their hearing aids daily, compared to 22 percent following standard care.