Details about Samsung‘s next generation of wireless earbuds are beginning to emerge from leaked One UI 8.5 firmware. The new bit of information confirms an open-ear design for the standard Samsung Galaxy Buds 4. Another recent leak revealed a new functional shortcut focused on facilitating the use of live translation features.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 open-ear design leaked
The standard Galaxy Buds 4 maintain a similar aesthetic to their recently leaked Pro counterparts. The company is sticking with the increasingly familiar “stem” design. However, the non-Pro version, like its predecessors, will feature an open-ear design. It notably lacks the silicone ear tips found on the higher-end Pro model. This approach ensures the base model offers a distinct fit within the lineup.
One notable design change impacting both models is the apparent removal of the distinctive “Blade Lights” that were featured on the stems of the previous generation. The overall shape of the earbuds remains consistent. However, the images (shared by Android Authority) suggest a cleaner, more streamlined look for the upcoming earbuds.
A new case and a focus on translation
Recent leaks also indicate that Samsung is reverting to an older, horizontal orientation for the charging case design. The earbuds will once again slot in flat, a layout many users consider more convenient for quick placement and removal compared to the vertical arrangement of the previous generation.
Perhaps the most interesting functional detail is the inclusion of a new physical gesture. Code snippets revealed that users can now activate “Interpreter Mode.” This feature offers real-time conversation translation by pinching and holding the stem of both earbuds simultaneously. The shortcut allows users to initiate the live translation feature without needing to pull out their smartphone or tablet.
The Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro are taking an unconventional launch path. This time, they could arrive in early 2026 alongside Samsung’s next flagship Galaxy S smartphone. If true, that’s less than a year after the release of the Buds 3 series (July 2024). Whatever the case, it seems that Samsung’s earbuds are transitioning to a more minimalist design approach.
