According to SamMobile, Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have been discovered in early One UI 8.5 build code with the codenames “handel” and “bach,” referencing classical composers George Frideric Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach. The discovery comes from code analysis of unreleased One UI 8.5 software, which hasn’t yet entered public beta testing but has been circulating internally for weeks. This marks a departure from previous codenaming conventions, as the Galaxy Buds 3 series used “jelly” and “paran” while the Galaxy Buds 2 was codenamed “berry.” The new earbuds are expected to launch alongside the Galaxy S26 series next year, with more details about features and design likely to emerge through leaks in the coming months. This musical naming strategy suggests Samsung may be positioning its next audio products for a more sophisticated market.
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The Psychology Behind Product Codenames
The shift from food-inspired codenames like “berry” and “jelly” to classical composers represents more than just random word selection. Product codenames often reflect internal company priorities and target market positioning. When Apple named its macOS versions after California landmarks or Google used dessert names for Android versions, they were deliberately crafting brand associations. Samsung’s choice of Baroque era masters suggests the company wants engineers and product teams to associate these earbuds with precision, craftsmanship, and timeless quality—qualities that Handel and Bach represent in Western music history. This psychological framing can influence development priorities, potentially shifting focus from basic functionality to audio fidelity and nuanced performance characteristics.
Samsung’s Audio Ambitions in Crowded Market
Samsung faces intensifying competition in the premium wireless earbud space, where the company’s broader ecosystem strategy must compete with dedicated audio specialists and other tech giants. Apple’s AirPods Pro continue to dominate the high-end market, while Sony and Bose maintain strong reputations for audio quality. Even within the Android ecosystem, Google’s Pixel Buds and Nothing’s distinctive products are capturing consumer attention. The classical composer codenames suggest Samsung may be preparing to compete more directly on sound quality rather than just integration with Galaxy devices. This would represent a significant strategic shift, as previous Buds iterations have primarily emphasized seamless connectivity with Samsung’s device ecosystem over pure audio performance.
What Musical Codenames Suggest About Features
The reference to Baroque composers specifically—rather than modern musicians—hints at potential technical directions. Baroque music emphasizes clarity, counterpoint, and instrumental separation, qualities that require sophisticated audio processing to reproduce accurately in earbuds. This could indicate Samsung is developing more advanced driver technology, better spatial audio implementation, or enhanced noise cancellation that preserves musical detail. The company might be focusing on codec support beyond basic SBC and AAC, potentially including high-resolution formats like LDAC or developing its own proprietary solution. Given that One UI integration appears central to the discovery timeline, we can expect deep software enhancements that leverage Samsung’s ecosystem advantages while delivering improved audio performance.
The 2025 Launch Window Significance
A 2025 release alongside the Galaxy S26 series positions these earbuds at a critical juncture in the wireless audio market. By next year, the initial wave of true wireless earbud adoption will have matured, and consumers will be looking for meaningful upgrades rather than basic functionality. The extended development timeline suggests Samsung is taking additional time to refine these products, possibly addressing common complaints about previous models like battery life, comfort, or call quality. The launch timing also aligns with when many early adopters of premium earbuds from 2020-2022 will be considering replacements, creating a substantial upgrade opportunity if Samsung can deliver compelling new features.
Execution Challenges Ahead
The ambitious positioning suggested by these codenames comes with significant execution risks. Premium audio development requires expertise that differs from the general consumer electronics engineering behind previous Buds models. Samsung will need to balance audiophile-grade sound with the practical demands of mainstream consumers who prioritize convenience, battery life, and seamless connectivity. There’s also the challenge of pricing—positioning against established audio specialists might require premium pricing that could alienate Samsung’s traditional customer base. The company must also navigate the technical limitations of Bluetooth technology while delivering the audio quality these codenames promise, a challenge that has tripped up many competitors in the space.
