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First software traces of Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro surface
Samsung appears to be preparing a new generation of wireless earbuds. Code from a leaked One UI 8.5 build includes references to two previously unseen product names — Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro — along with apparent model numbers. The discovery, first highlighted by Android Authority and identified by developers digging into the firmware, offers the earliest concrete indication that Samsung’s next true wireless earbuds are under active development.
What the leak reveals
The One UI 8.5 leak doesn’t include images or specs, but it does contain identifiers that line up with Samsung’s established naming conventions. The likely model numbers found in the code are:
- Galaxy Buds 4 – SM-R540
- Galaxy Buds 4 Pro – SM-R640
Those designations fit the pattern used for the Buds 3 family: the Galaxy Buds 3 series used an SM-R530 designation and the Buds 3 Pro appeared as SM-R630. This numerical progression — incrementing the middle digit while keeping the SM-R prefix — adds credibility to the leak and suggests these entries represent actual product plans rather than placeholders.
Why the timing matters
Earbuds don’t cycle through updates as quickly as smartphones, but the audio market remains competitive. Apple’s recent launch of the AirPods Pro 3, which introduced a heart-rate sensor and live translation features alongside improved active noise cancellation (ANC), puts pressure on rivals to respond. Samsung has a motive to refresh its lineup to stay competitive, especially in areas consumers care about most: sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life and smart features.
Samsung’s ecosystem strategy makes timing important. Most users pair earbuds with smartphones, so aligning a Buds launch with the Galaxy S26 series — expected to be announced early next year — would make commercial and marketing sense. A January unveiling alongside new Galaxy phones would give Samsung a cohesive hardware narrative and a cross-selling opportunity.
Expected feature focus and market context
While the code leak doesn’t reveal technical specifications, the broader market context and recent trends suggest likely areas of improvement:
- Improved noise cancellation: Competing earbuds have pushed ANC performance in recent years, and reviewers praised AirPods Pro 3 for a significant upgrade. Samsung will likely aim to match or exceed that benchmark.
- Better battery life: Consumers increasingly value multi-day usage and longer ANC-on listening times.
- Audio quality and fit: Enhanced drivers, adaptive tuning and ergonomic improvements remain top requests from reviewers and listeners.
- Galaxy AI and smart features: Samsung could expand on translation, voice assistance, and on-device AI experiences for real-time transcription or contextual audio features.
A realistic launch plan would prioritise tangible improvements in audio and battery first, and augment those with Galaxy AI features for differentiation. That balance would mirror the current competitive landscape where hardware fundamentals still drive purchase decisions, while AI and ecosystem tools provide a compelling extra layer.
Use cases and who benefits
Potential buyers span several groups:
- Commuters and frequent travelers: Stronger ANC and improved battery life are primary benefits.
- Fitness users: Better fit and longer battery life are key; heart-rate sensing (as seen in competing devices) could be an attractive addition if implemented.
- Productivity and remote workers: Enhanced live translation and low-latency calling features would appeal to people using earbuds for meetings.
- Audiophiles on a budget: Improved drivers and tuning would draw listeners who want premium sound without paying flagship phone prices.
What remains uncertain
The leak is an early signpost, not a confirmation of product details. Samsung has not publicly acknowledged the Buds 4 or Buds 4 Pro names, nor provided any pricing or feature list. Important unknowns include:
- Exact launch date and whether Samsung will tie the earbuds’ debut to the Galaxy S26 launch window.
- Hardware specifications: driver sizes, codecs supported, battery capacities and ANC implementation.
- New sensors or health features: whether Samsung will follow Apple’s lead on biometric sensing.
Bottom line
The One UI 8.5 code leak is the strongest hint yet that Samsung is working on Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro units, with model numbers SM-R540 and SM-R640 likely tied to those products. If Samsung pursues measurable gains in noise cancellation, battery life and audio quality, the new Buds could strengthen its position against Apple and other rivals. Until Samsung confirms details, the community will rely on software traces, regulatory filings and supply-chain leaks to fill in the blanks.
"Leaked model IDs are a common early indicator of a product roadmap," said one industry analyst. "They don’t tell the whole story, but they do suggest Samsung is preparing hardware updates for the near future."
For now, the leak offers a useful data point: Samsung seems to be moving toward a new earbuds generation, and One UI 8.5 may be the software framework that first mentions them publicly. Expect more information to emerge as we approach the Galaxy S26 cycle and as further firmware and regulatory disclosures become available.
Source: phonearena
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