Samsung is poised to refresh its wireless earbud lineup with the upcoming Galaxy Buds 4 and buds 4 Pro, aiming to build on the popularity of the Buds 3 series.Details emerging this month suggest significant design changes and new features are on the horizon for the next generation of Samsung’s audio accessories, including a potential shift to gesture controls and a redesigned charging case. These developments come as Samsung prepares to launch its next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26, expected in late February.
Samsung’s next-generation Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro wireless earbuds are likely to introduce gesture control and a significant design overhaul, according to recent reports.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Galaxy S26 smartphone lineup, expected around the end of February, Samsung is also reportedly developing its next-generation audio devices: the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro. These new earbuds are slated to succeed the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro.
Samsung appears to be taking a more adventurous approach to design compared to some competitors, who tend to make incremental changes between generations. The Buds 3 featured a triangular stem supporting touch gestures, and the Pro version included a lighting effect. The evolution of earbud design reflects the ongoing quest for improved ergonomics and user interaction.
Flatter Stems and the Removal of LEDs
Renderings discovered within the source code of One UI 8.5, as reported by Android Authority, suggest that Samsung is opting for a more rounded design for the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, featuring flattened stems. This design change is intended to improve ergonomics. Furthermore, the end of the stem is expected to be distinctly separated from the main body of the earbud. Notably, the LED indicators may be removed.
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The Galaxy Buds 4 series is also expected to achieve IP57 certification for dust and water resistance, and will support Qi wireless charging.
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Changes to the Charging Case
The charging case is also slated for an update, reportedly featuring a 515 mAh battery – a modest increase over current models. Additionally, the case is expected to adopt a horizontal orientation, a departure from the current vertical design. The intention is to allow users to lay the earbuds flat within the charging case, rather than having them sit upright as with the Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro.
Samsung believes this approach will make extracting and storing the earbuds easier. The discovered images also highlight the presence of a pairing button, a USB-C port, and what appears to be a speaker for locating the case if lost.
One UI 8.5: Enhanced Customization and Gesture Controls
With the arrival of One UI 8.5, Samsung is strengthening the role of software in managing audio devices. The new version introduces a more customizable interface, allowing Galaxy Buds 4 users to enjoy widgets for the lock screen, contextual alerts (battery level, location, smart home controls), and enriched information cards in Now Brief.
Furthermore, the new models could feature gesture controls for various actions, including nodding for confirmation, swiping left to right to activate the AI assistant, dismissing alarms or calendar alerts, executing hands-free commands, receiving notifications, or stopping playback, and answering calls and messages.
Application One UI 8.5 // Source : Android Authority
Application One UI 8.5 // Source : Android Authority
These control methods would be enabled through the integration of sensors within the earbuds.
In addition to the design and gesture controls, the Galaxy Buds 4 are expected to feature improved active noise cancellation (ANC), with greater customization via a simplified scale from 0 to 4, allowing users to tailor the level to their environment. Dolby Atmos functionality will now be continuously available, whereas it was previously limited on prior generations.
