Excitement is building in the wireless audio market as Samsung gears up for its next big launch. The Galaxy Buds 4 series, expected to replace the current Galaxy Buds 3 lineup, is reportedly set for an early 2026 debut. Although Samsung hasn’t shared anything officially yet, several leaks have already given us a glimpse of what the upcoming earbuds may look like. According to reports, the new Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro could launch alongside the flagship Galaxy S26 series. The clues come from digital assets and animations discovered inside system software, offering an early peek at both models.
Leaked Designs and Internal Codenames
Android Authority recently reported that animations found in the One UI 8.5 firmware reveal visuals of the upcoming earbuds. The standard Galaxy Buds 4—developed under the codename Handel—seem to feature a sleek metal stem with a visible external grille. The leaked images show the earbuds in silver and black. Interestingly, the standard version appears to have an open-ear design, as it doesn’t include silicone ear tips like previous models.
The premium Galaxy Buds 4 Pro—codenamed Bach—also appears in the leaked firmware. Although it also sports the metal stem design, this Pro model clearly includes silicone ear tips, which strongly suggests support for advanced features like active noise cancellation. As always with early leaks, the final design could still change before Samsung officially unveils the product.
Expected Features and Improvements
Alongside the design changes, Samsung is reportedly working on new accessories and software-based features. One notable upgrade may be a redesigned charging case where the earbuds lie flat instead of standing upright. On the feature side, Samsung is said to be developing a new Head Gestures option. With this, users could simply nod to answer calls or shake their head to reject them. The feature may also work for dismissing alarms or responding to notifications—no need to tap the earbuds.
For the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, even more advanced features are rumored. These include 360-degree audio recording, Adaptive Noise Control, and a “Find Your Phone” function. Seamless pairing across Samsung tablets and smartphones is also expected, improving the integration across the broader Galaxy ecosystem.
