Evidence suggests this device represents a new product category for the company, utilizing an open-ear, clip-style design and air-conduction technology.
Product Identity and Unconfirmed Name
The names "Galaxy Buds Able" and "Galaxy Able," along with the model number SM-U600, have been found in the latest version of the Samsung Galaxy Wearable application. The final consumer product name has not been officially confirmed by Samsung. It is also unclear if the "Able" moniker is a final product name or an internal codename.
New Product Category
The SM-U600 model number uses an SM-Uxxx identifier, which is distinct from the SM-Rxxx series used for all previous Galaxy Buds models (e.g., Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds FE). This difference in model numbering indicates that the Galaxy Buds Able is a distinct product category from Samsung's existing truly wireless earbud lineup.
Design and Technology
Physical Design
Reports, including one from South Korean outlet ETNews citing industry sources, state that the Galaxy Buds Able will employ a clip-style design that attaches to the outer ear without entering the ear canal. This design has been corroborated by an icon discovered within One UI firmware by the website SammyGuru. The design is similar to open-ear earbuds currently available from other manufacturers, such as Sony's LinkBuds Clip, Anker's Soundcore, and Bose. Galaxy Buds Able is expected to feature a neckband-style form factor.
Audio Technology
Multiple reports indicated the device might use bone conduction technology, which transmits sound via vibrations through the cheekbones. However, subsequent reports from ETNews, citing industry sources, state that the Galaxy Buds Able uses "air-conduction" technology. This method delivers sound through the air while leaving the ear canal unblocked, aiming to maintain sound quality while allowing ambient environmental awareness. Bone conduction and air-conduction technologies are distinct; the exact mechanism used by the Galaxy Buds Able remains unconfirmed by Samsung.
Market Context
Open-ear earbuds have grown in popularity, with various form factors available from brands including Nothing, Sony, Bose, HUAWEI, and Anker. The Galaxy Buds Able would mark Samsung's entry into the open-ear clip-style segment, a return to an open-ear form factor following the cancellation of the Galaxy Buds Live.
Development Timeline
Reports suggesting Samsung was developing bone conduction earbuds first surfaced in March 2023. The model number SM-U600 and the "Able" names were later spotted in software updates. A launch for the Galaxy Buds Able has been speculated to potentially coincide with a Galaxy Fold 8 event in late July. Samsung has not officially announced a release date.