Samsung may be preparing to challenge Apple (AAPL) in a corner of the premium-device market it has largely ignored for more than a decade.
The company is reportedly developing a pair of over-ear wireless headphones that could be sold as Galaxy Studio, according to SamMobile and Android Authority.
The name remains unconfirmed, but evidence of the project first surfaced earlier this year when references to headphones internally called “Galaxy H1” appeared inside Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app.
If the product reaches stores, it would mark Samsung’s first serious return to Samsung-branded over-ear headphones since its Level products roughly a decade ago.
The action is unique only because of it.
Through Harman, Samsung already owns some of the most well-known audio companies in the world, such as JBL, AKG, and Harman Kardon. However, earbuds continue to be the major focus of its own Galaxy consumer audio strategy.
That might be altered with Galaxy Studio, which would place Samsung up against Apple’s $549 AirPods Max 2 at the top of the headphone market.
Another significant rival may put greater pressure on pricing, battery life, and noise cancellation for customers.
Keeping Galaxy phone customers inside its ecosystem for one more costly purchase is Samsung’s larger potential.
Samsung’s Galaxy Studio would end a decade-long absence
Over-ear headphones are nothing new for Samsung.
Products such as the Level Over and Level On were part of its Level series, but as the Galaxy Buds trademark expanded, Samsung finally turned its focus to wireless earbuds.
The business now seems prepared to return to the category.
SamMobile found references to an over-ear product code-named Galaxy H1 in Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app in August. The software included graphics related to headphone connectivity and indicated Bluetooth support. The publication said an early 2027 launch appeared possible, although Samsung has not announced a timetable.
The Galaxy Studio name emerged later from leaker @evowizz, who previously revealed the name of Samsung’s Galaxy Buds On before that product was officially introduced. 9to5Google and Android Authority both reported the new claim on Oct. 8.
Crucially, there are still speculations about the name, cost, and specs.
Reports concerning anticipated features, including adaptive noise cancellation, Samsung Find integration, high-quality audio codecs, and compatibility for artificial intelligence assistants, remain speculation, and Samsung has not verified Galaxy Studio.
This difference is important, since the name itself gives the clearest indication of Samsung’s goals. “Galaxy Studio” sounds more like a high-end item than a cheap add-on.
If that turns out to be correct, Samsung wouldn’t just be adding a new product to its range. It would be attempting to persuade Galaxy owners that Samsung can provide the same high-end, fully integrated listening experience that Apple offers to iPhone owners.
Samsung already owns an audio empire
The length of time Samsung has delayed is unexpected.
Samsung completed its acquisition of Harman in 2017 after agreeing to pay approximately $8 billion for the company. The deal gave Samsung control of audio brands including JBL, AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, and Mark Levinson.
As a result, Samsung does not need to start from scratch when developing its audio expertise.
It already has businesses that produce everything from high-end home and car audio systems to mass-market Bluetooth speakers and headphones.
This highlights the lack of a premium over-ear device bearing the Samsung name.
More Tech:
- Meta and Microsoft just sent employees a memo about Anthropic
- Microsoft cutting off popular software with no extension Oct. 13
- Apple’s biggest AI advantage may face new privacy challenge
After Samsung updated the opposite end of its personal audio business, the possible Galaxy Studio also made an appearance.
The company launched the Galaxy Buds4 series alongside the Galaxy S26 lineup earlier in 2026. Samsung’s current Buds4 products offer features including adaptive equalization, adaptive active noise cancellation, LE Audio, and Auracast support.
That creates an obvious opportunity.
Samsung currently lacks high-end over-ear headphones under the Samsung name to complete the ecosystem, but it does have Galaxy phones, tablets, watches, and earbuds.
Apple does have these headphones, however.
Because technology companies increasingly compete via ecosystems rather than individual gadgets, the distinction is important. When purchasing a phone, a customer may also purchase a laptop, tablet, earphones, and watch.
It becomes a little more difficult to switch ecosystems with each extra attachment.
Samsung could be able to prevent high-end Galaxy consumers from buying audio equipment elsewhere with a Galaxy Studio offering.
Samsung could attack one of Apple’s highest-priced accessories
Samsung is now an obvious target for Apple.
AirPods Max 2 currently sell for $549 in the U.S. Apple positions the headphones around high-fidelity audio, adaptive audio, active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and integration with its broader device ecosystem. The current model offers up to 20 hours of listening with active noise cancellation enabled, according to Apple.
The price could be enough to provide an intriguing opening.
There is already fierce competition for high-end wireless headphones from companies such as Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, and others. As a result, Samsung would join a market where Apple lacks the dominance it has in some areas of its accessory ecosystem.
Another benefit of Samsung’s Galaxy brand is the vast installed base of Android smartphone customers who may want AirPods Max-style integration without purchasing an Apple product.
Samsung could focus on features that are especially useful for Galaxy tablets, phones, and TVs.
The Galaxy Buds range already employs that tactic. Samsung would gain another premium tier if it expanded to a bigger, more costly headphone.
And it could make price more crucial for customers.
Customers may be forced to consider whether Apple’s ecosystem advantage is worth the price difference if a Galaxy Studio device is priced much less than $549. Samsung would have to convince customers that the Galaxy brand can attract high-end audio prices if the device were priced close to or above AirPods Max.
Pricing is still unclear at this time.
In the end, it could be the most significant feature Samsung discloses.
Galaxy Studio could be about more than selling headphones
It is doubtful that headphones by themselves will improve Samsung’s financial performance.
There is more strategic value.
The largest tech firms are increasingly using accessories to strengthen their bonds with consumers who already possess their most valuable items. Customers with iPhones may buy AirPods from Apple. Galaxy users may buy Galaxy Buds from Samsung. Computers, tablets, and watches all support the same tactic.
Premium over-ear headphones would give Samsung another product capable of doing that job. They would also appear when AI becomes more prevalent in consumer electronics.
SamMobile expects Samsung’s upcoming headphones to include support for assistants such as Bixby and Google Gemini, although Samsung has not confirmed these features.
With built-in microphones and instantaneous speech feedback, headphones may be worn for hours on end. Premium headphones may become more significant than a basic music accessory as AI helpers become more sophisticated.
Samsung has already invested heavily in integrating Galaxy AI into its devices.
By adding comparable features to headphones, voice-based AI might become more practical without forcing users to constantly whip out their phones.
However, the product must first exist.
Samsung has not made the headphones public, the Galaxy Studio moniker is based on a leak, and an early 2027 debut is still up in the air.
However, it’s difficult to rule out the larger plan, given the evidence of an over-ear initiative inside Samsung’s own wearable software.
What strikes me is that, despite having one of the largest collections of audio brands in the world for more than 10 years, Samsung hasn’t used its name to effectively compete with Apple for high-end, over-ear headphones.
That might ultimately change with Galaxy Studio. Samsung could also have chosen an intriguing time to make a comeback.
Customers are already familiar with high-end headphones, Apple is charging $549 for the AirPods Max 2, and Samsung has a developed Galaxy ecosystem that can accommodate another high-end accessory.
Samsung may not only be returning to headphones after a long hiatus. It may be aiming squarely at one of Apple’s priciest accessories.
Related: Apple just made a surprising move with a popular product
