Ever tried having a phone conversation in a noisy airport or on a windy street corner? Google Fi is rolling out a new feature that might actually help. The carrier’s adding AI-enhanced audio for both Android and iPhone users. It’s designed to filter out background noise and make voices clearer on calls.
The Google Fi audio feature kicks in automatically when you’re calling landlines or older devices that don’t support HD calling. Google says it uses AI to tune the audio smartly instead of just muting everything. This should keep conversations sounding more natural. Whether it actually works as advertised in places like construction sites or busy terminals remains to be seen. However, the concept makes sense.
How Google Fi Audio Enhancement Works
The AI processes audio on Google’s servers. It tries to distinguish between your voice and background noise. Android users on version 11 or higher will see an “AI-enhanced by Google Fi” label pop up during calls when it’s active. iPhone users get the same treatment, just without the visual indicator.
The difference from regular noise cancellation is important. This supposedly preserves more of your natural voice instead of making you sound like you’re talking through a tin can. Google handles the processing on their end. This means it works regardless of what phone you’re using or who you’re calling.
Turning It On or Off
You can control the Google Fi audio feature through the Fi app if you want to manually toggle it. It’s set to work automatically by default for landline calls and non-HD connections. Having the option to turn it off is nice if you run into any issues.
This audio upgrade is part of a bigger update from Google Fi rolling out in late 2025. The carrier also expanded Wi-Fi Auto Connect+ to more locations. This builds on the W+ network they introduced a while back. There’s also web-based RCS messaging now, which lets you send high-quality photos and get read receipts. Plus, those AI-powered bill summaries Google added. Keep in mind those come with a warning that they might not always be accurate.
What This Actually Means
Google Fi seems to be leaning hard into AI features to stand out from other carriers. The audio enhancement could be genuinely useful if you’re someone who calls landlines regularly for work or family. Those connections don’t support HD calling anyway. Business users dealing with conference calls might appreciate it. Travelers navigating noisy environments could see real benefits too.
That said, it’s worth remembering that AI features don’t always live up to the hype. The technology sounds promising on paper. However, real-world performance can vary depending on the type of background noise and call conditions. Still, for existing Google Fi subscribers, the update arrives automatically at no extra cost. If you’re shopping around for carriers, it’s at least an interesting differentiator worth considering.
