Samsung is reportedly venturing into open-ear audio with a leaked look at what’s believed to be its next earbuds: Galaxy Buds On (previously codenamed Buds Able). These clips-on-ear earbuds move away from traditional in-ear designs, aligning Samsung with recent models from brands like Bose and Nothing, though its proposed build appears somewhat bulkier in contrast. The images come from official-looking renders obtained from app files tied to Samsung’s Buds Manager.
Design: clip-style open-ear earbuds
The leaked renders suggest the Galaxy Buds On will feature a clip-style open-ear form factor—securing around the outer ear instead of being inserted into the ear canal. This style has gained traction for its comfort and for preserving environmental awareness. While similar in form to rivals, Samsung’s take seems a bit more substantial in its curves and housing, possibly signaling added components or design priorities.
New software tools: Auto Volume, gestures, voice-assisted features
Additional leaks expose key features in the Buds Manager app tied to these earbuds. One of them is an “Auto Volume” mode, likely to dynamically adjust sound levels based on ambient conditions. Gesture support is also included: nodding or shaking the head may control playback or other functions. Users can also trigger voice memos through touch-and-hold commands, which will auto-convert speech to text. And Bixby integration is built in, enabling voice trigger search without needing to have the phone out.
Another highlight: the earbuds seem poised to include sleep detection. Once the wearer is asleep, music or media playback could auto-pause—this functionality is tied into Samsung’s One UI 9 track.
What’s next: release timing & ecosystem fit
Though multiple leaks have already teased Galaxy Buds On, there’s no definite launch date yet. The emergence of these leaked renders alongside references in official software suggests a product that could arrive in the near future. In addition, Samsung has several other devices in development—among them the Tab S12 tablet and Android XR glasses—hinting at a period of broad hardware rollout from the company.
This reveals Samsung is leaning into more diverse audio form factors beyond traditional earbuds and over-ears. Rich software integrations like voice memos with transcription, AI assistant access, gesture controls, and automatic adjustments elevate this beyond a mere novelty. Galaxy Buds On appear positioned as a convergence of comfort, ambient design, and smart utility, targeting users who want openness without sacrificing control.
What this means: Samsung’s move toward clip-style open-ear audio is an acknowledgment of growing demand for hearing-conscious, awareness-preserving wearable audio. As AI assistant integration and adaptive audio features become standard expectations, the Buds On could set benchmarks for usability in open-ear devices. Whether the bulkier design impacts wearability remains to be seen—what’s clear is that Samsung is preparing to deliver more than just new hardware, but a smarter wearable experience. Keep an eye on upcoming releases in One UI 9 and Samsung’s product events—something tells us these won’t be the only surprises this season.
