- Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro renders emerge
- They show design changes; expect more on February 25
- No word on if Samsung's contentious eartip-locking mechanism is back
It's looking increasingly likely that the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro will launch alongside the Galaxy S26 phones at Galaxy Unpacked 2026, most likely on February 25, and we've just seen early renders of these new AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 rivals.
Android Headlines has shared renders of the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro. An exact source for these renders or the info they're built on isn't clear, but they line up with what we've already seen.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 images show something akin to the Galaxy Buds 3, sans eartips. Changes from the past model are flat stems, and a clam-shell charging case. Those changes are also present in the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, but they enjoy eartips. The models are black and white respectively, but apparently those only represent two of many color options.
These renders match a previous glimpse we saw of the buds, which originated from the Samsung Tips app, especially in the charging case department. It seems that a reworked charging case, and flat-backed stems, are the two main design changes the new buds will enjoy.
No word on the tip sitch
I tested the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro early, and so got to experience the issues that saw them delayed. Samsung used a proprietary eartip locking system, which ostensibly made removing and replacing the buds' tips much easier…
…however in practice, it made it much harder. As you can see in the image above, I managed to gouge a chunk of the eartip with my nail when trying to remove it, weakening it for the future. I have hope that Samsung has reworked this system for the Buds 4 Pro.
Since writing that review, though, it's dawned on me that this system presents a different problem, and there's no indication that my second issue will be fixed. You see, the buds and tip used a screw-esque hooking system to attach, which held them in place so much that it led to the previous problem – but it's also incompatible with any other eartips beyond Samsung's own ones.
Own a large collection of eartips, from past earbuds you've owned, or simply want to pick up news ones in a different material or design to suit your taste? Sorry, they won't fit. I've seen reports on Reddit of people jerry-rigging third-party buds to work on the Samsungs, but they're obviously a more dab DIY hand than I.
I see that as being quite anti-consumer; any eartips you own are now basically e-waste. While you can buy replacements from other companies online, it means any eartips you already own aren't compatible, and have to rely on cheap Amazon alternatives if you lose your current picks. Samsung's website doesn't even have replacements — its Galaxy Buds accessories page instead offers you Minions-themed case covers and carabiner clips.
Samsung isn't the only company to use a system like this, with Apple, also using a similar custom design for its AirPods Pro. But if your only other counterpart is the inventor of the Lightning port and OS-locked earbuds, it's not a good sign for being open and consumer-friendly. I hope the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro use standard eartips, like basically every other company out there.
➡️ Read our full guide to the best earbuds
1. Best overall:
Technics EAH-AZ100
2. Best mid-range:
Cambridge Audio A100
3. Best budget:
Nothing Ear (a)
4. Best for noise-cancelling:
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra 2nd Gen
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