The mysterious Samsung earbuds known as Galaxy Buds Able have been the subject of speculation for months. Now, a fresh leak may have finally revealed their official name. According to a reliable leaker on X, the earbuds will be marketed as the Galaxy Buds On. This discovery comes just after new references to the device were spotted inside the Galaxy Wearable app, further fueling rumors that Samsung is preparing to launch a unique pair of open-ear wireless earbuds.
For those who have followed the saga, the name Galaxy Buds Able first appeared in April 2025 when Android Authority discovered references to a Samsung audio product with that placeholder moniker. Since then, a steady stream of certifications, renders, and app sightings have painted a clearer picture of what to expect. The earbuds carry the model number SM-U600, which is distinct from existing Galaxy Buds models like the Buds Pro or Buds FE. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) confirmed the model number, along with a separate battery component numbered EB-BU600AAY. These certifications strongly suggest the device is nearing commercial release.
Design and form factor
A leaked render shared by tipsters indicated that the Galaxy Buds On will adopt a clip-like design, reminiscent of Sony’s LinkBuds Clip. This open-ear form factor is gaining popularity as it allows users to hear ambient sounds while listening to audio. Unlike traditional in-ear buds that seal the ear canal, open-ear designs typically rest outside the ear or use a hook mechanism. The Galaxy Buds On are expected to clip onto the outer ear, providing stability during movement while leaving the ear canal unobstructed. This is ideal for activities like running, cycling, or working in environments where situational awareness is essential.
Samsung has tested similar concepts before, including the Galaxy Buds Live with a bean-shape design, but the Galaxy Buds On appear to take a more minimal approach. The clip-like structure suggests a lightweight build, possibly with a flexible band that wraps around the ear. Sony’s LinkBuds Clip already offer a similar experience, so Samsung is likely aiming to compete directly in this niche segment. The open-ear market is still relatively young, with few major players beyond Sony, Bose, and a handful of startups. A Samsung entry could accelerate adoption and bring more features to the space.
Naming clues from the Galaxy Wearable app
The strongest evidence for the Galaxy Buds On name came from the Galaxy Wearable app version 2.2.70.26060861. A report from SammyGuru noted new strings of code referencing “Galaxy Able” without the word “Buds.” This shift in nomenclature suggests Samsung might drop the word “Buds” entirely for some products, or that “Able” is a codename used internally. However, leaker Evowizz countered that claim by stating the retail name will be Galaxy Buds On. Whom to believe is unclear, but both pieces of information point to the same device: an open-ear, clip-on earbud set.
Samsung has a history of using codenames that differ from final product names. For example, the Galaxy Buds Pro was codenamed “Rumba” during development. The Galaxy Buds FE, meanwhile, was known as “Lemon.” In this context, “Able” could be a temporary placeholder until marketing decides on a more consumer-friendly name. “On” seems intuitive for a clip-on design—emphasizing that the earbuds sit “on” the ear rather than “in” it. This would align with Samsung’s recent trend of using simple, descriptive suffixes like Live, Pro, and FE.
Looking deeper: The open-ear revolution
The potential launch of Galaxy Buds On reflects a broader shift in the audio industry. For years, the market was dominated by true wireless in-ear monitors. However, concerns about ear health, discomfort during extended wear, and the need for spatial awareness have driven interest in open-ear alternatives. Bone conduction headphones pioneered the category, but recent advances in directional speakers allow for clearer sound without vibrations. Clip-on earbuds, like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and the Sony LinkBuds Open, have proven that consumers are willing to sacrifice some bass and noise isolation for comfort and awareness.
Samsung’s entry could shake up the market. The company has a massive installed base of Galaxy smartphone users who are accustomed to seamless integration with Galaxy Buds. Features like Auto Switch, 360 Audio, and SmartThings Find are already part of the ecosystem. If the Galaxy Buds On support these features, they could become the go-to choice for Samsung loyalists who want an open-ear option. Moreover, Samsung’s manufacturing scale might allow competitive pricing, undercutting Sony and Bose.
Yet challenges remain. Open-ear earbuds often struggle with sound leakage and audio quality in noisy environments. Samsung will need to balance clarity with external noise acceptance. Battery life is another concern: clip-on designs have limited space for batteries, so achieving the 6–8 hours typical of in-ear models may be difficult. The model number SM-U600 hints at a lower-tier placement, possibly falling between the Buds FE and Buds Pro in pricing.
Release timeline and final speculations
When will Samsung unveil the Galaxy Buds On? The presence in the Galaxy Wearable app suggests that internal testing is advanced. Samsung typically launches new Galaxy Buds alongside its Galaxy Unpacked events, which happen in February, August, and occasionally in the fall. Since February 2025 has already passed, an August unveiling alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 seems plausible. Alternatively, a standalone launch could occur later in the year, especially if Samsung wants to capture holiday shoppers.
Until Samsung confirms the name and specs, the community will continue to analyze every piece of evidence. The Galaxy Buds On moniker is not yet official, but it carries logical weight. History shows that leakers are often correct about final names, especially when supported by app strings. If the Galaxy Buds On do launch, they will represent Samsung’s first dedicated open-ear clip-on earbuds, a strong signal that the company is paying attention to evolving user preferences.
Beyond the name, the real question is how the Galaxy Buds On will differentiate themselves. Sony’s LinkBuds Clip offer a unique ring-shaped driver, while Bose focuses on comfort and audio quality. Samsung could counter with tighter ecosystem integration, improved call quality through AI, or a distinctive design that appeals to fitness enthusiasts. Rumors of a clip that can double as a wireless charging connector have also surfaced, but nothing is confirmed. What is certain is that the earbuds market is about to get a new player in a segment that is still finding its footing.
Source: Android Authority News