SEOUL, April 22, 2026, 01:40 (KST)
Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Buds Able haven’t been officially announced yet, but a firmware icon leak hints at a clip-on, open-ear style—departing from the brand’s usual in-ear and stem-shaped models. SammyGuru, which spotted the image in the latest One UI firmware, first reported the discovery.
The leak comes just shy of two months since Samsung launched its Galaxy Buds4 series, leaving the company with a narrow window before focus shifts toward what could be its next audio move. Open-ear earbuds, which don’t block the ear canal, target listeners who need to keep tabs on their surroundings—think traffic, office chatter, or public announcements.
According to SamMobile, the Galaxy Wearable app and model number SM-U600 are tipping the hand for the Galaxy Buds Able name. The site spotted an icon in One UI 9 that features what looks like a clip-on hook, plus a grille—possibly hiding a microphone.
The report also tacked on a caveat: according to its sources, the product’s been pushed back repeatedly and isn’t on track for a debut at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event in July 2026. So, the leak points more to Samsung’s plans than to an imminent release.
The design appears to lean more toward an open-ear clip style, not the Galaxy Buds4 Pro, which Samsung promotes for its active noise cancellation (ANC)—that’s the tech using mics and algorithms to filter outside sound. 9to5Google noted the leaked design doesn’t match any existing Galaxy Buds, hinting Samsung may have dropped prior plans for a bone-conduction model.
Bone conduction works by transmitting vibrations along the cheekbones to the inner ear, rather than channeling sound waves primarily through the air. According to PhoneArena, SammyGuru’s leak hinted at bone conduction tech, but the outlet also noted the icon’s look probably suggests Samsung will stick with conventional speaker drivers if the image is accurate.
Earlier this month, the Able trail kicked off. On April 1, Android Authority spotted the name “Galaxy Buds Able” inside Samsung’s Galaxy Buds app, sitting next to Buds4 and Buds4 Pro. The catch: the SM-U600 model number didn’t line up with Samsung’s standard SM-R format for earbuds. Android Authority
Android Authority, two days after the initial hints, spotted a battery labeled EB-BU600AAY in the Bureau of Indian Standards database. While specs remained unconfirmed, the listing offered a rare hardware detail to complement the mostly software-based leaks so far.
Samsung’s current audio lineup is still the Buds4. Back in February, the company announced that both the Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro would hit general sales starting March 11. Ikhyun Cho, corporate vice president of Samsung’s Mobile eXperience business, called the new range “built for all-day comfort without sacrificing audio performance.” Samsung Global Newsroom
If Able launches, it could carve out its own spot, separate from the core Buds lineup. On Samsung’s U.S. site, Galaxy Buds4 are priced at $179.99, while the Galaxy Buds4 Pro goes for $249.99. That leaves Samsung with flexibility on price, either slipping Able in below or alongside higher-end open-ear competitors.
Bose is already out there with its Ultra Open Earbuds, a cuff-style design tagged at $299. Sony, for its part, introduced the LinkBuds Clip back in January, touting an always-on clip that allows for both ambient sound and music playback.
Bottom line: a firmware icon isn’t a product launch. Stuff points out there’s no word yet from Samsung on when Galaxy Buds Able might hit shelves, or what they’ll cost. There’s no official confirmation, not even a guarantee the name or hardware will stick. The device could just as easily skip the upcoming launch cycle.
