Samsung's radically different wireless earbuds remain a mystery, but their launch window is closer than expected

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By Polina Kovalakova

Published: Jul 21, 2026, 3:27 AM

Samsung Audio

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Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for illustrative purposes. | Image by PhoneArena

A few months ago, reports suggested Samsung was working on its first pair of open-style earbuds. While the Galaxy Buds Able (as these earbuds will reportedly be named) are still largely a mystery, a fresh leak may have narrowed down their launch window.

Galaxy Buds Able won't launch at the Galaxy Unpacked event

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are currently the brand's most advanced earbuds. | Image by PhoneArena

According to the latest leaks (machine translated), Samsung's new open-ear wireless earbuds won't debut alongside the brand's upcoming foldable phones on July 22.

Instead, Samsung is reportedly launching them later this year, reportedly around late September or October.

Beyond the rumored launch window, however, little is known about the Galaxy Buds Able. Hopefully, we'll learn some meaningful details about their features or specs once the launch window gets closer.

Could open-ear Galaxy Buds replace your current earbuds?

Samsung is joining a growing market

Evolution of the open-ear earbuds segment. | Image by Omdia

Samsung appears to be getting ready to enter a growing market. So far, major brands like Bose, Sony, Huawei, Shokz, and Nothing have already introduced open-ear earbuds, helping drive the category's rapid expansion.

Mind you, an Omdia report shows the open-ear audio segment is experiencing rapid growth. Data shows that open-style headphones accounted for more than 10% of the global personal audio sector, with annual shipments over 30 million in 2025.

According to leaks, Samsung's new audio product relies on a clip-style design, which is identified as the fastest-growing form factor within the category.

The Galaxy Unpacked event has bigger priorities

The Galaxy Unpacked event is almost here. | Teaser video by Samsung

Samsung has just opened its reservation campaign, allowing you to reserve your next Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Z Flip 8 device. The official store is giving you a $30 reservation credit, plus a chance to win one of 10 $500 gift cards.

Reserve at Samsung

Samsung appears to be keeping its summer Unpacked event largely unchanged. Historically, the company has reserved its summer launches to introduce new foldable phones and Galaxy Watch models, and this year won't be any different.

This strategy makes perfect sense. With the brand now introducing a different form factor in its book-style models alongside the traditional shape, the focus will likely be kept on the Z Fold 8 and the Z Fold 8 Ultra.

In addition, ETNews notes the company will put an emphasis on the new health and wellness features of its Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2, which could help it establish a broader health-focused wearable ecosystem. The Galaxy Buds Able could then fit effortlessly into that strategy.

Samsung fans are getting spoiled for choice

The South Korean tech giant has already established a strong presence in the wireless earbuds segment. It has consistently released premium models, affordable Fan Edition products, and 'standard' Galaxy Buds editions that sit somewhere between the two.

Now, the company is broadening its portfolio even further, targeting users who want to stay aware of their surroundings while working out or spending time outdoors.

I think it's too early to say whether the Galaxy Buds Able will eventually become a major success. Still, it's admirable that Samsung is willing to explore this form factor and give its fans more options.

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Polina Kovalakova, a News and Affiliate Content Writer, has nurtured a passion for mobile technology since the era before smartphones. With a history of exploring a variety of devices, her insights into the mobile world are both broad and nuanced. Polina's non-partisan view extends to appreciating nearly every smartphone brand, a reflection of her open-minded approach to technology. Polina is equally passionate about uncovering the best online deals, tirelessly working to ensure her readers snag top-tier tech at unbeatable prices.

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