Samsung appears to be adding a 'Head Gestures' control system.
The upcoming Galaxy Buds could get a flatter stem and a new charging case layout.
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series.
Samsung’s next premium wireless earbuds have surfaced in new One UI 8.5 firmware obtained by AssembleDebug and shared by Android Authority. The leaked animations offer the clearest look so far at the upcoming Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. This suggests a redesigned exterior and a notable new hands-free interaction feature. The earbuds are expected to launch globally alongside the Galaxy S26 series. Here are the new details.
SurveyA refined design with a flatter stem
The new animations show that Samsung is reworking the Buds 4 Pro’s shape compared to the Buds 3 Pro. The sharp, triangular stem from last year appears to have been dropped for a flatter, cleaner stem. The light bar seen on the Buds 3 Pro is missing, while the pinch controls seem to stay intact. Even it appears to continue having in-ear tips.
The charging case layout appears to have changed. Instead of the vertical drop-in layout Samsung used previously, the Buds 4 Pro appear to rest flat inside the case. This is similar to its premium competitors and should give easier alignment and better durability for the hinge.
This design language may also extend to the standard Galaxy Buds 4, though that is still unconfirmed. Samsung followed comparable designs with the Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro, so we figure the base model could inherit most of these changes.
Also Read: Apple AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM6 in 2025: Which premium headphones are worth buying?
A new ‘Head Gestures’ control system
Code strings inside the leaked One UI 8.5 build point to a new Head Gestures feature for the Buds 4 Pro. Sony and Google already offer limited versions of this, but Samsung’s implementation looks broader.
Based on the firmware, users will be able to:
- Nod or shake their head to respond to calls or notifications
- Hear notifications aloud or stop playback
- Dismiss alarms, timers, Calendar alerts, and Reminders
- Give yes or no responses to an AI assistant
- Use hands-free controls when speaking or touching the phone is not possible
If Samsung delivers all of the above at launch, this could become one of the most capable gesture-based control systems on any wireless earbuds.
Other features spotted in the animations
Most of the existing Buds 3 Pro features appear to carry forward. These include:
- 360-degree audio recording
- Adaptive Noise Control
- Find your phone
- Multi-device pairing for phones and tablets
This suggests Samsung is focusing more on refining the experience rather than overhauling the feature set.
What this could means for users
A flatter stem and a redesigned case should improve ergonomics and day-to-day usability. Samsung’s decision to remove the light bar also hints at a cleaner appearance, possibly better battery efficiency, and even simpler manufacturing for the company. The Head Gestures system is the standout upgrade and could give Samsung a differentiator in a segment where most brands rely on taps and pinches.
If it is priced at around the Rs 20,000 price range like the predecessor, the Buds 4 Pro will compete with the likes of Google’s Pixel Buds Pro, or even Sony WF-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and Apple AirPods Pro 3. Sony and Google already offer limited gesture controls, but neither offers the broader hands-free interaction Samsung appears to be preparing. If priced right, Samsung could position its buds as a user-friendly and intuitive option for premium TWS buyers.
Let’s see. Keep reading Digit.in for more updates about the Galaxy Buds 4 series.
Also Read: Oppo Enco Buds3 Pro+ set to launch in India alongside Find X9 series on 18 November
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G. S. Vasan
G.S. Vasan is the chief copy editor at Digit, where he leads coverage of TVs and audio. His work spans reviews, news, features, and maintaining key content pages. Before joining Digit, he worked with publications like Smartprix and 91mobiles, bringing over six years of experience in tech journalism. His articles reflect both his expertise and passion for technology. View Full Profile
