Samsung Ditches Controversial Galaxy Buds 3 Design: Leaks Reveal Galaxy Buds 4 Look

Galaxy Buds 4 hint at a fresh design, moving away from last year’s divisive look with exciting updates on the horizon.

A New Chapter for Galaxy Buds: Fresh Design Incoming?

It’s been over a year since Samsung dropped a new pair of earbuds, and fans like me are buzzing about the possibility of Galaxy Buds 4 headphones hitting the scene soon. Recently leaked images from the upcoming One UI 8.5 build have given us a sneak peek, and all signs point to a major design overhaul. Finally, a break from the Galaxy Buds 3’s controversial look!

The leak, spotted by industry insiders, includes an icon file named ‘list_ic_earbuds_buds4’—a pretty clear hint these are connected to Samsung's next-gen earbuds. The images suggest Samsung is moving towards a sleeker, simpler silhouette.

What Does the Galaxy Buds 4 Design Look Like?

If these leaks are the real deal, the Galaxy Buds 4 headphones will keep the stem-style design found in previous models but drop the sharp, triangular foot that sparked mixed reactions with the Buds 3. Instead, we’re seeing a softer, rounded or flat stem that feels more classic and approachable. The earbuds themselves might also get a slight shape tweak, hinting at improved comfort or fit.

Leaked image of Galaxy Buds 4 design showing the rounded stem.

Detail on the Buds 4’s updated earbud shape and stem.

When Can We Expect the Galaxy Buds 4 to Drop?

Now, Samsung hasn’t officially announced the release date for these earbuds, but rumors suggest they’re gearing up for a launch alongside the Galaxy S26 smartphone series. The code referencing Buds 4 was found in the early One UI 8.5 build, which is also slated to debut with the S26 lineup, so the timing kind of makes sense.

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, Samsung’s previous earbuds model.

The Galaxy Buds 4 headphones are expected to position themselves as a worthy challenger to Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 headphones, which debuted alongside the iPhone 17. With Apple pushing the envelope on features like spatial audio and seamless device integration, Samsung is likely to counter with beefed-up Galaxy AI functions and possibly enhanced real-time translation capabilities—two features that could really sway tech enthusiasts.

A Long-Awaited Design Change

Honestly, I wasn’t a fan of the triangular, edgy look of the Galaxy Buds 3. It felt a bit too aggressive for earbuds that you want to wear comfortably all day. So, I’m genuinely excited to see Samsung pivot to a more rounded design. Whether this softer silhouette will drastically improve the user experience remains to be seen, but kudos to Samsung for at least trying something different.

“I wasn’t a big fan of the triangular shape on the Galaxy Buds 3, so I’m glad Samsung isn’t sticking with that design.” — Samsung earbuds enthusiast

What’s Next for Samsung’s Earbuds?

While these leaks are tantalizing, Samsung is also rumored to be working on Galaxy Buds 4 Pro headphones, possibly landing in 2026, with even more advanced features and perhaps a premium build. If the Buds 4 are any indication, Samsung is committed to refining its earbuds lineup steadily, blending style and substance.

Wrapping It Up: Fresh Look, Fresh Hopes

The Galaxy Buds 4 leak is a breath of fresh air for Samsung fans craving a new vibe. Moving away from the controversial Buds 3 design, Samsung seems ready to deliver earbuds that not only sound good but look good too. With the Galaxy S26 launch looming, it’s only a matter of time before these new buds drop—bringing new tech and a friendlier design to the earbuds game.

FAQ

• What are the major design changes in Galaxy Buds 4 compared to Buds 3?
  The Buds 4 ditch the sharp, triangular stem of Buds 3 for a rounded or flat stem, with slight tweaks to the earbud shape for comfort.
• When is Samsung expected to release the Galaxy Buds 4?
  The earbuds are rumored to launch alongside the Galaxy S26 series, potentially in sync with the new One UI 8.5 release.
• Will Galaxy Buds 4 feature new technical upgrades?
  Rumors suggest improvements like enhanced Galaxy AI integration and better real-time translation features.
• How do Galaxy Buds 4 compare to Apple AirPods Pro 3?
  Buds 4 are expected to compete directly with AirPods Pro 3, focusing on smart features and design improvements to challenge Apple's offerings.
• Is Samsung also releasing a Pro version of the Galaxy Buds 4?
  Yes, leaks indicate Samsung is planning Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for 2026, which could have premium features and enhanced performance.

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