Samsung is preparing to launch the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, and recent leaks reveal significant design changes and new features for the upcoming wireless earbuds. Internally codenamed "Bach," the new model represents a notable evolution from the Galaxy Buds 3 series, which introduced the handle-style design with LED light strips.
The most visible change comes in the form of a redesigned handle. According to leaked information, Samsung is moving away from the triangular ear handle design in favor of a flatter, more minimalist approach. The controversial LED light strips that characterized the previous generation have been removed, resulting in a cleaner aesthetic that may appeal to users who found the earlier design too prominent.
Beyond aesthetics, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro introduces an enhanced head gesture control system. This feature allows users to control their earbuds through head movements, enabling them to answer or reject calls and interact with system notifications without touching the earbuds or their connected device. While gesture controls have appeared in other wireless earbuds, Samsung's implementation appears to offer deeper system integration.
The charging case has also been redesigned. The new configuration positions the earbuds horizontally rather than vertically, which should improve stability and make the earbuds easier to retrieve. This practical change addresses a common user complaint about earbuds shifting position or becoming tangled in their cases.
Samsung has also refined the ear tip design with the goal of improving both comfort and passive noise isolation. These ergonomic improvements are crucial for extended wear, particularly for users who rely on their earbuds throughout the workday or during long commutes.
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is expected to launch in early 2026, likely alongside the Galaxy S26 series. The new earbuds will compete in an increasingly crowded premium wireless earbuds market, facing established competitors like Apple's AirPods Pro and Sony's WF-1000X series.
The success of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro will depend on how well Samsung executes these design changes and whether the new features provide genuine utility to users. The head gesture controls, in particular, represent a differentiating feature that could set Samsung's offering apart from competitors, provided the implementation is reliable and intuitive.
As Samsung continues to refine its wireless audio products, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro demonstrates the company's willingness to iterate on design and explore new interaction methods. Whether these changes will resonate with consumers remains to be seen when the earbuds officially launch next year.