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Samsung's next Pro earbuds getting closer to launch after clearing a major hurdle

A significant battery upgrade and a totally new case design are on the horizon.

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By Johanna Romero

Published: Dec 28, 2025, 5:25 PM

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Samsung Audio

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. | Image credit — PhoneArena

Samsung is inching closer to releasing its next set of premium earbuds, and we just got a major hint that they are ready for prime time. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have popped up in a key regulatory database, confirming some exciting design tweaks and a very welcome battery upgrade.

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are imminent

It looks like the wait for Samsung's next flagship audio gear is nearly over. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have officially passed through the FCC in the United States. For those who do not follow these things closely, a product hitting this specific database usually means the development is finished, and the retail launch is right around the corner.

If you have been waiting for news, a fresh report suggests we can expect the Galaxy Buds 4 series to debut early next year. This timing lines up perfectly with the expected launch of the Galaxy S26 series, which would make for a nice ecosystem release. While we still have to wait for the official event to see them, the certification and recent leaks have painted a pretty clear picture of what is coming.

Rumored specs and features

57mAh battery capacity (per earbud)
Thinner, flatter stem design
Horizontal charging case layout

Why this battery boost matters

Leaked product images of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

Rumored new design for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro as found in the One UI 8.5 code. | Images credit Android Authority

It's no secret that battery life is still the biggest pain point for most wireless earbud users. That is why the rumor about a 57mAh battery in the Buds 4 Pro is such a big deal. When you compare it to the 48mAh unit found in the previous Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, that is roughly an 18% increase in raw capacity. If Samsung pairs this bigger battery with a more efficient processor, we could see a serious jump in playback time, especially when using active noise cancellation.

Competitors have really been pushing the envelope on longevity lately, and it seems Samsung is keen to catch up or even exceed them here. The design shift is also worth noting. Moving the charging case internal layout from vertical to horizontal indicates a rethink of the user experience. Hopefully, this means a case that is easier to grab your buds from and sits slimmer in your pocket.

Samsung is reportedly switching back to a horizontal case design for the Buds 4 Pro. Which style do you prefer?

A promising shift in focus

Personally, I feel that should these rumored specs hold true, it would indicate that Samsung is prioritizing function over flash this year. While the refined, flatter stems will likely look sleeker, the battery increase is what will actually impact your daily use. I have always felt that pro-tier earbuds need to be able to last through a trans-Atlantic flight on a single charge, and this hardware upgrade might finally get us there.

I am also curious to see if the horizontal case design improves the day-to-day feel of the device. The vertical slots on previous models were fine, but a horizontal lay-flat design often feels more premium and secure when you are opening it on the go. If you are planning to upgrade your phone to the Galaxy S26 next year, these sound like they will be the default audio pairing to get.

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Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.

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