Samsung is preparing to enter the growing clip-on earbud market with the Galaxy Buds On, a new open-ear model designed to challenge products from Bose and Sony.

Official-looking renders and software details discovered through an APK teardown by SammyGuru reveal a two-part design joined by a flexible silicone loop.

The larger rounded section sits inside the outer ear’s concha without entering the ear canal, while a flatter section clips onto the outside and provides a concave touch-control surface.

The design eliminates conventional silicone ear tips and should allow wearers to remain more aware of their surroundings. However, the open fit also appears to rule out active noise cancellation and could produce greater sound leakage at higher volumes.

Only a black version appears in the leaked renders, although code inside Samsung’s Buds Manager app points to a white option.

Galaxy Buds On could include Auto Volume, which adjusts playback according to surrounding noise, alongside a separate Volume Boost setting.

Head nodding and shaking gestures borrowed from the Galaxy Buds 4 range may allow users to respond to calls and notifications without touching the earbuds.

Voice or touch controls could also activate Google Gemini or Samsung’s Bixby assistant. Users may be able to begin voice recordings through the earbuds, with supported Galaxy phones automatically transcribing the audio and allowing Bixby to search the notes.

That transcription function is expected to require One UI 8.5 or later.

Another feature, ‘Pause Media While Sleeping’, would stop music or podcasts when a connected phone detects that the wearer has fallen asleep. It reportedly requires One UI 9.

There is currently no indication that 360 Audio with head tracking will be supported.

The Galaxy Buds On, internally codenamed Able, have appeared in Indian certification records under model number SM-U600. Firmware has also reportedly surfaced on Samsung servers in India, South Korea, Vietnam and Malaysia.

A launch is rumoured for the fourth quarter of 2026, although Samsung has not confirmed the product, pricing or release timing.