Tech giant Samsung is reportedly preparing to re-enter the high-end over-ear headphone market with a new device tentatively called the “Galaxy H1,” aiming to compete directly with Apple’s popular AirPods Max. According to findings from SamMobile within the Galaxy Wearable app, strings of code and connection status icons point to the development of these new wireless headphones, which are projected for a potential release in 2027. This would mark Samsung’s first major over-ear release in over a decade, following the Level On model launched in 2015, long before the company acquired audio powerhouse Harman.
What to Expect from the Galaxy H1
While the initial app icons merely outline a standard wireless over-ear aesthetic, industry insiders anticipate that the Galaxy H1 will feature advanced technologies tailored to the broader Samsung ecosystem. Expected highlights include the proprietary Samsung Seamless Codec Ultra High Quality (SSC UHQ), designed to deliver pristine audio exclusively on Galaxy phones and tablets released in 2023 and later. Furthermore, deep integration with AI assistants such as Gemini and Bixby is expected, following the precedent set by the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.
Filling a Gap in Samsung’s Audio Lineup
Currently, Samsung relies heavily on its popular Galaxy Buds series for mobile audio, leaving a noticeable vacancy in the premium over-ear category traditionally dominated by devices like the AirPods Max and Sony XM series. With Apple having introduced a refreshed AirPods Max 2 featuring adaptive audio and live translation capabilities, Samsung’s upcoming flagship could provide a formidable alternative for users deeply embedded in the Galaxy ecosystem.
