Samsung Copy Apple AirPods: The Story Behind the Wireless Rivalry

Samsung Copy Apple AirPods: The Story Behind the Wireless Rivalry;   Since Apple launched the first AirPods in 2016, the wireless earbud market has been transformed into a multi-billion-dollar industry.
What started as Apple’s unique approach to wireless audio quickly became the new industry standard — prompting nearly every tech company, including Samsung, to develop their own version.

Today, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds series has become Apple’s strongest AirPods rival. But did Samsung really “copy” Apple’s AirPods? Let’s look deeper into the evolution, similarities, and unique differences between the two.

READ THIS:    Top UK Apps for Android (2025)

1. The Birth of AirPods: A Game-Changing Moment

Samsung Copy Apple AirPods: The Story Behind the Wireless Rivalry;   When Apple introduced the AirPods (1st Gen) in September 2016 alongside the iPhone 7, critics initially mocked their appearance — calling them “weird toothbrush heads.” But Apple knew what it was doing.
By removing the headphone jack and introducing truly wireless earbuds, Apple created:

• A new product category: True Wireless Stereo (TWS).

• Seamless pairing via its W1 chip.

• Automatic ear detection.

• Siri voice control.

Within months, AirPods became a cultural phenomenon, and by 2018, they dominated nearly 60% of the TWS market globally.

2. Samsung Enters the Scene

Samsung, one of Apple’s biggest competitors, was not far behind. In 2019, Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds, its first serious attempt to compete directly with AirPods.
Though Samsung had experimented with earlier wireless headphones (like the Gear IconX in 2016), the Galaxy Buds lineup was a clear step into the AirPods-dominated space.

Timeline of Samsung’s “AirPods Alternatives”

3. Samsung Buds3: The Most AirPods-Like Design Yet

In 2024, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro were released with a strikingly familiar design — long stems, glossy finish, and an open charging case, strongly resembling Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd Gen).

Design Similarities

• Stem-style earbuds: Previously, Samsung used compact, bean-like or in-ear capsule designs. The Buds3 introduced a long stem, identical to Apple’s AirPods shape.

• White glossy case: Similar flip-top magnetic case with LED indicator on the front.

• Touch controls on the stem: Just like Apple’s squeeze gestures on AirPods.

• Open-ear fit: The base Buds3 adopted a semi-open design close to AirPods 3.

These similarities led many reviewers and tech fans to say “Samsung copied Apple’s AirPods.”

4. Did Samsung Really Copy Apple?

The short answer: Samsung borrowed Apple’s design language but added its own innovations.

While Samsung’s Buds3 may look like AirPods, they have distinct technical and software features that set them apart:

Samsung’s Innovations

1. AI-Powered Voice Commands: The Buds3 Pro can activate Bixby or perform actions using voice without touching the buds.

2. Adaptive Noise Control: The Buds3 Pro adjusts ANC based on the surrounding environment automatically.

3. Galaxy AI Integration (2024): Live translation of phone calls and real-time captions between languages when paired with Galaxy phones.

4. Hi-Fi 24-bit Sound: Superior bitrate compared to AirPods’ 16-bit audio.

5. SmartThings Find: Helps users locate their earbuds using Samsung’s ecosystem.

So, while Samsung clearly took inspiration from Apple’s form factor, it didn’t copy Apple’s functionality or experience wholesale — it built its own version optimized for Galaxy devices.

5. Why Samsung Imitated the AirPods Design

Samsung’s switch to a stem-style design was strategic, not just aesthetic.
Here’s why:

a. Consumer Familiarity

Apple’s AirPods became the visual symbol of “wireless earbuds.” Consumers around the world now associate the stem design with premium quality. Samsung’s adoption of a similar look was a way to appeal to those same expectations.

b. Improved Microphone Position

The stem design allows microphones to be closer to the mouth — improving voice clarity during calls and noise isolation, especially in windy environments.

c. Competitive Marketing

By resembling AirPods, Samsung positioned the Buds3 as a recognizable yet Android-optimized alternative, particularly targeting users switching from iPhone to Galaxy.

READ THIS:  Optimize 5G Settings on iPhone 15 for Better Performance

6. Feature Comparison: AirPods Pro 2 vs. Galaxy Buds3 Pro

While Apple still leads in ecosystem polish, Samsung’s earbuds excel in audio quality and device integration for Galaxy users.

7. The Market Perspective

Apple continues to dominate the global TWS market, but Samsung has secured a strong foothold.
According to 2025 data from Counterpoint Research:

• Apple holds about 33% market share.

• Samsung follows with 12% (boosted by Galaxy Buds3 sales).

• The rest belongs to brands like Sony, JBL, Nothing, and Xiaomi.

Samsung’s strategy has been to mirror Apple’s success while catering to Android’s open platform — offering features that AirPods can’t easily provide on non-Apple devices.

8. Consumer Reactions

The Galaxy Buds3 received mixed but mostly positive reviews:

• Praise: Sound quality, AI features, call performance, ANC, and build quality.

• Criticism: “Too similar to AirPods,” limited customization outside Samsung phones.

Some users jokingly referred to them as “AirPods for Android.”
Still, Samsung achieved what it wanted — recognition, familiarity, and competitiveness in a crowded market.

9. What It Means for the Future of Wireless Audio

Samsung Copy Apple AirPods: The Story Behind the Wireless Rivalry;  The rivalry between Samsung and Apple has fueled rapid innovation in wireless earbuds.
Here’s what the competition is pushing forward:

• Better sound with compact form factors.

• Intelligent noise control and adaptive audio.

• Integration with AI assistants.

• Cross-device ecosystem syncing.

In essence, Apple defines the design trend, while Samsung refines and expands it with smarter, AI-driven functionality.

10. Conclusion: Inspired, Not Copied

While it’s true that Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 visually resemble Apple’s AirPods, the real story is deeper. Samsung didn’t simply “copy” Apple — it adapted a winning design and combined it with its own technological strengths.

The result:

• Apple AirPods: Best for iPhone users, seamless iOS integration.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds: Best for Android and Galaxy users, AI-rich features, superior durability.

Both brands have elevated the wireless audio industry — and this healthy competition ensures users get the best innovations from both worlds.