Watch out, Shokz - Samsung might be entering the open-ear earbud game this summer

Nina Raemont/ZDNET

During last year's summer edition of Samsung's Unpacked hardware event, the company announced the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with a new yet familiar design. Traditionally, Samsung's premium earbuds sported a round bud design, but the third generation debuted with a bud-and-stem design.

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According to rumors and insider sources, it appears Samsung is again shaking up its earbud form factor, this time with open-ear earbuds that use bone conduction sound technology. Open-ear earbuds have soared in popularity, with Sony, Shokz, Bose, and Nothing releasing premium versions.

The details surrounding Samsung's potential open-ear earbuds are limited. Still, with Samsung's audio prowess and access to Galaxy AI-integrated features, I expect these earbuds to be an open-ear option with Galaxy-exclusive features.

Samsung doesn't currently offer open-ear earbuds, and these mystery buds may be marketed toward Galaxy users with active lifestyles or could sport a casual design for Galaxy users who don't prefer in-ear earbuds.

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Open-ear earbuds, like the Bose Ultra Open and Shokz OpenFit, sit outside the ear canal instead of inside, like the AirPods Pro 2. The open-ear design is ideal for people who want to remain aware of their surroundings while listening to their music or those who don't like the fit or feel of in-ear earbuds.

It's rumored that Samsung will announce these earbuds, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 smartphones, and a rumored tri-fold display smartphone at its summer Unpacked event.