If you’ve seen the latest leaks of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, you might find them oddly familiar. According to images shared by tech insider Evan Blass, Samsung’s next wireless earbuds look strikingly similar to Apple’s AirPods Gen 3 and AirPods Pro.
Instead of the traditional Samsung design, these new buds feature trapezoidal stems, a clear departure from Apple’s iconic tubular stems, but still in a similar vein.
A New Design Direction?
This design change is quite surprising for Samsung, a company that has always opted for stemless earbuds in the past. If the leaks are accurate, Samsung might be taking a new direction, possibly aiming for a design that echoes Apple’s popular aesthetic.
This change could be part of a larger strategy, considering Blass has also leaked images of Samsung’s next smartwatch, which also appears to take design cues from Apple.
Supporting Evidence
More leaked images, this time of a silicone charging case sleeve for the Galaxy Buds 3, further support the notion that Samsung is moving towards an AirPods-like design.
These images, initially found on a Korean retailer’s website and shared by a user on X (formerly known as Twitter), show earbuds with stem-based shapes. The placement of vents and microphone covers is also very similar to Apple’s AirPods Pro.
Why the Change?
There’s a practical side to this design choice. Stem-based earbuds, like the AirPods Pro, are often more comfortable because the stem allows engineers to place critical components like batteries, touch controls, and microphones outside the main body of the earbud.
This can reduce the amount of space taken up in the ear, potentially addressing the comfort issues some users have experienced with previous Samsung earbuds.
User Feedback
While many users have found Samsung’s stemless designs comfortable, a quick look on Reddit shows that others have struggled to get a secure fit.
This new stem-based design could be Samsung’s response to that feedback, offering an alternative for those who prefer the fit of stem-based earbuds. It might also attract users who have been loyal to Apple’s AirPods but are curious about Samsung’s offerings.
The Bigger Picture
This potential design shift could indicate a broader strategy by Samsung to appeal to a wider audience. By offering a product that looks and feels more like what Apple users are accustomed to, Samsung could entice iPhone users who are considering a switch.
Moreover, having a similar design might make it easier for consumers to transition between ecosystems, especially if they already own other Samsung devices.
Anticipation Builds
With Samsung’s Unpacked event scheduled for July 10, it won’t be long before we find out if these leaks are true. If Samsung does reveal earbuds that look like the ones in the leaked images, it will be interesting to see how the market responds.
Will fans embrace the new design, or will there be backlash from those who preferred the unique look of Samsung’s stemless earbuds?
Potential Benefits
If the new Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro do indeed feature a stem-based design, they could offer several benefits:
- Improved Comfort: For users who found Samsung’s previous designs uncomfortable, the new shape could provide a better fit.
- Better Component Placement: With critical components housed in the stem, the main body of the earbud can be smaller, potentially making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
- Enhanced Market Appeal: A design that closely resembles Apple’s could attract users who like the look and feel of AirPods but prefer Samsung’s technology and ecosystem.
What’s Next?
The tech community is eagerly awaiting Samsung’s official announcement. If these leaks are accurate, Samsung might be setting the stage for a major shift in their product design philosophy.
This could be the beginning of a new era for Samsung’s wireless earbuds, one that blends familiar aesthetics with their own innovative technology.
Final Thoughts
As we look forward to the Unpacked event, it’s clear that Samsung is not afraid to shake things up. Whether this new design direction will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Samsung is ready to compete head-to-head with Apple in the wireless earbud market. For now, all we can do is wait and see what surprises Samsung has in store for us on July 10.