Samsung is apparently planning to enter a new audio segment: with the Galaxy Buds On, the South Korean manufacturer is readying its first clip-on style earphones. On September 15, 2026, the US regulatory agency FCC granted approval for the hardware design of the device carrying model number SM-U600, fulfilling a key requirement for a US release.
Open-Ear Concept With a New Form Factor
Unlike conventional in-ear earphones, open-ear models do not seal the ear canal. The Galaxy Buds On sit on the outside of the ear and are clipped into place. According to industry outlet SammyGuru, the design features a curved bridge connecting two rounded components. Before the final name was settled, the project was internally referred to as “Able”; the SM-U600 model code also recently surfaced in the official Galaxy Buds app. The accompanying charging case has a rounded square shape, complete with a pairing button and a USB-C port.
Regulatory filings already reveal specific wireless specifications. The device supports Bluetooth standards EDR, Bluetooth LE (1/2 Mbps), and Qualcomm High Speed (2 to 6 Mbps). Whether Samsung will also integrate its proprietary SSC-UHQ codec is not clear from the documents so far.
Feature Set and Technical Limitations
Due to the open-ear design, users will have to forgo certain features. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is not planned for the Buds On, nor is Samsung’s 360 Audio spatial sound feature. Instead, playback volume adjustments such as Auto Volume and Volume Boost are on board. For voice control, reports indicate that Samsung relies on the Bixby and Gemini assistants.
Software features going beyond pure audio playback are also in the works. These include head-gesture controls, automatic pausing upon detecting sleep, and the ability to record voice notes directly, transcribe them, and save them translated into the Samsung Notes app.
Growing Market for Open-Ear Audio
With this move, the manufacturer is responding to shifting demand in the accessories market. According to market research data from Omdia, the open-ear headphones segment grew by 12 percent in the second quarter of 2026, with clip-on models already accounting for 61 percent of that category.
A concrete release date or retail pricing for Germany are not yet known. Industry circles anticipate an unveiling or US launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. Details regarding battery life and water resistance are also pending Samsung’s official announcement.
Sources: Borncity.com
