Leaked images published July 30 show an unreleased Samsung earbud design with hooks that wrap around the outside of the ear. Android Central reported that software graphics associate it with the internal label “Buds Canal 5” and model number SM-U600.
The wraparound form could provide a more stable fit during running, cycling, or gym sessions while leaving the ear canal relatively open. Samsung has not announced the product, confirmed its intended use, or said whether it will reach stores.
Two leaked designs leave the product unsettled
The images published by Android Central show separate left and right earbuds with full exterior hooks. They also appear to show a charging case with a USB-C port.
The SM-U600 identifier and recurring references in Samsung software suggest the device has progressed beyond a single concept image. Software listings can indicate that support is being prepared, but they do not confirm an immediate launch. Samsung’s unannounced Galaxy S26 FE and Galaxy Tab S12 recently surfaced in a Google app list without official release dates.
The relationship between Buds Canal 5 and the earlier Galaxy Buds Able reporting remains unclear. Android Authority associated both names with SM-U600, although earlier images showed a smaller clip-style design rather than a hook wrapping around the ear.
Reports have also differed over the audio technology. Early coverage mentioned bone conduction, while later reporting described an air-conduction system that directs sound toward the ear without blocking the canal. Samsung has confirmed neither description.
“Galaxy Buds Able” may be a development label rather than a retail name. Android Authority later reported that the product could be marketed as Galaxy Buds On, but Samsung has not confirmed either name.
Battery life, water resistance, active noise cancellation, controls, wireless codecs, and device compatibility remain unknown. Pricing has not leaked. A separate report pointed to a possible late-September or October 2026 launch, although Samsung has not announced a release date.
Workout stability comes with audio trade-offs
Ear hooks provide additional support during repeated movement because the earbuds rest around the outside of the ear instead of relying only on an in-ear or outer-ear fit. An open design can also help runners and cyclists hear vehicles, voices, and other nearby sounds.
The trade-offs include weaker passive isolation, reduced bass in noisy settings, and more sound leakage than sealed earbuds. Wind noise, pressure behind the ear, and comfort alongside glasses could also affect longer sessions.
Samsung’s standard Galaxy Buds4 use an open fit, while the Buds4 Pro use silicone tips and emphasize stronger isolation and adaptive noise cancellation. The leaked model would add a more exercise-focused shape rather than directly replacing either product.
That form factor could complement the Galaxy Watch9 and Watch Ultra2, which add workout, recovery, trail, and health features. Samsung’s broader wearable health tools also show how the company is expanding beyond basic activity tracking, although no watch or health integration has been confirmed for SM-U600.
Open hooks may suit outdoor exercise and people who dislike silicone tips. Sealed earbuds remain better suited to flights, offices, public transportation, and other settings where isolation is the priority.
For organizations standardizing Samsung mobile hardware, an open-ear option could suit field employees who need audio prompts while remaining aware of traffic, colleagues, or equipment. Procurement teams would still need confirmed durability, battery, compatibility, support, and pricing details before treating SM-U600 as a workplace accessory.
Samsung has not confirmed the earbuds’ name, specifications, price, or release date. The next useful evidence will need to show whether the hook and clip renders depict one changing SM-U600 design—or two separate products.
Also read: Earlier Galaxy Watch9 and Ultra2 leaks show which reported details matched Samsung’s eventual announcement — and why unreleased hardware specifications should still be treated cautiously.
