New Samsung Galaxy devices break cover but they look more than a little familiar

Earlier this week Samsung confirmed its next major product launch will happen on Wednesday 10 July but it looks like some of the gadgets expected to be unveiled then have just been leaked online. Reliable tech leaker Evan Blass posted images on X of what appears to be two new models of Galaxy Watch and two different Galaxy Buds models - and a couple of the devices bear more than a passing resemblance to existing Apple products.

Blass posted what could well be the Galaxy Watch 7 and the rumoured Galaxy Watch Ultra alongside the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, if previous leaks have been accurate as to their names of the upcoming launches. The event is also rumoured to be where Samsung will launch the foldable Galazy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, as well as its wearable smart ring, the Galaxy Ring.

With a more rectangular look to the casing and a ribbed orange strap, X users were quick to point out just how much the leaked Galaxy Watch Ultra looks like the Apple Watch Ultra. Until now, all Galaxy Watch models have had circular faces and cases and looked more like traditional watches than the squared-off Apple Watch models. But if this leak is accurate, Samsung has taken most than a little inspiration from Apple, with a busier watch face akin to the Apple Watch Ultra and an almost identical orange band.

Some of the buttons even have orange accents, just like the orange Action Button on the Apple Watch.

Even more egregious is the design of one of the sets of Galaxy Buds earbuds, which look almost identical to a pair of AirPods. They are an open design like the original and third-gen AirPods in white, with a black line down the middle and blue and red details on the bottom to denote left and right bud. We have liked how Samsung had forged its own design path with the Galaxy Buds lineup, which has tended to produce smaller in-ear earbuds without the stem design of AirPods that many other companies have taken inspiration from.

Presumably what is the Galaxy Watch 7 looks more akin to what we’ve seen before, interestingly also with blue and red stitching details on the strap, while the second pair of Buds are grey with in-ear tips and once again those colour accents.

We understand that tech companies have to change design tact from time to time, but it’ll be difficult not to be a little disappointed if Samsung has decided to basically copy Apple on two of its new products. We’ll have all the answers come 10 July when Samsung hosts its big Unpacked event.