Samsung Readies New Galaxy Headphones After Nearly a Decade
Samsung is preparing to re-enter the over-ear headphone market with the development of their first new model since 2015, potentially positioning them as a competitor to Apple’s AirPods Max. These new headphones, reportedly referred to as the “Galaxy H1,” are anticipated to launch by 2027, according to hints found in Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app.
This development marks a significant shift for Samsung, whose most recent over-ear headphones, the Level On, debuted eight years ago prior to its acquisition of Harman and various other audio companies. The Galaxy H1, once launched, will diversify Samsung’s audio offerings, which currently centre around their Galaxy Buds line, and potentially fill the high-end gap alongside market leaders like the AirPods Max and Sony XM series.
While the specific design of the Galaxy H1 remains under wraps, connection status icons in the app suggest the headphones will be wireless Bluetooth models. As the expected launch approaches, it is believed that these headphones will incorporate the Samsung Seamless Codec Ultra High Quality (SSC UHQ) codec, optimised for use with 2023 and newer Galaxy devices. Additionally, support for AI assistants such as Gemini and Bixby is anticipated, paralleling features found in Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.
Earlier this year, Apple released a revised version of their AirPods Max, retaining the same look but enhancing functionality with a new chip for advanced features like adaptive audio and live translation. As Samsung steps back into the over-ear headphone arena, the industry will be watching to see how the Galaxy H1 will measure up against its established competitors.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.