Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro leak reveals redesign and head gestures in One UI 8.5

It’s expected that Samsung’s next generation of wireless earbuds—the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro—will debut alongside the Galaxy S26 series. Rumors have been circling for a while, and a recent One UI 8.5 firmware leak surfaced not only a refreshed design but also an entirely new way to control them.

The leaked animations indicate Samsung has overhauled the Buds 4 Pro. The big changes include dropping the triangular silhouette of the Buds 3 Pro, introducing a flat, cleaner-looking stem, removing the signature light strip, keeping the familiar pinch controls, reshaping the in-ear tips, and redesigning the case so the earbuds sit horizontally, much like premium rivals. It was also reported that the code names are “Handel” for Galaxy Buds 4 and “Bach” for Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. The direction hints at a move toward a more understated look.

Digging into One UI 8.5 also revealed a new Buds 4 Pro feature called “Head Gestures.” While similar ideas exist in a limited form on Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5, Samsung appears to be broadening what’s possible. According to the leak, users will be able to accept or reject calls with a nod or head turn; hear notifications or stop them; dismiss alarms, timers, and reminders; respond to the AI assistant without speaking; end a conversation; and operate hands-free when the phone isn’t within reach. If the detection works reliably, this could quickly feel natural in everyday use.

The animations also point to familiar capabilities carried over from the Buds 3 Pro: adaptive noise cancelation, phone-finding tools, and instant pairing with a phone or tablet. If the leak is accurate, Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is shaping up to be one of the most significant updates to the line in years—both in features and in design.