Samsung Electronics President Lee Jae-yong has reprimanded the mobile division for emulating Apple’s design with the new Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Buds3, and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.
On July 10, Samsung held its second Galaxy Unpacked event of the year, where the company unveiled its next generation of foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, along with four new wearables: two smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, and two premium wireless earphones, the Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro.
Both the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and the new Galaxy Buds3 launched with a completely revamped design compared to earlier versions, which has not pleased the head of the South Korean company because they closely resemble the design of the Apple Watch Ultra and AirPods.
Samsung’s president is scolding employees in the mobile division for the design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Buds3
A recent report from Korean media outlet AjuNews.com indicates that Lee Jae-yong, president of Samsung Electronics, expressed his significant dissatisfaction to the employees in the mobile division, Samsung MX, regarding the design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Buds3, stating that this is “almost” a copy of the Apple Watch Ultra and AirPods and AirPods Pro Apple.
This report also claims that Samsung Electronics has taken action against certain employees at Samsung MX, including the group leader of this division, TM Roh.
An internal source at Samsung told AjuNews.com the following: regarding the president’s frustration:
“The president himself intervened following the controversy over accusations of design plagiarism and quality concerns surrounding the Buds 3 series and Galaxy Watch 7, which were launched last month. The internal environment is currently quite strained.”
Lee’s frustration stems from the fact that the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra features a design that combines a circular display with a rectangular frame reminiscent of the Apple Watch. Additionally, Samsung’s new smartwatch shares other visual elements with the Apple Watch Ultra, such as the square and chunky design of the case and the use of orange accents in various parts of the smartwatch.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds3 Pro have moved away from the traditional “bean” shape of previous models, presenting an aesthetic very similar to that of the AirPods and AirPods Pro, particularly highlighted by the iconic “stems” protruding from the body of each earbud.
Moreover, pinch and swipe gestures to control playback and adjust volume on the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are quite akin to those on the Apple AirPods Pro 2.
As if that were not enough, we recently learned that Samsung had to halt sales of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro due to quality issues affecting the new premium headphones of the Korean brand.
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Samsung Electronics President Lee Jae-yong Criticizes Mobile Division for Imitating Apple’s Design in New Wearables
On July 10, Samsung unveiled its latest innovations during its second Galaxy Unpacked event of the year. This event showcased a range of exciting products, including the new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, in addition to two smartwatches— the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra— along with two premium wireless earphones, the Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro.
The new designs for both the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Buds3 have stirred controversy, as Samsung Electronics’ President Lee Jae-yong believes these designs have closely mimicked Apple’s aesthetic. Following the launch, internal critiques revealed that he was particularly displeased with how similar these new devices are to the Apple Watch Ultra and the AirPods, which could be perceived as a blatant design copy.
Lee Jae-yong’s Concerns Over Design Parallels
A recent report from AjuNews.com indicates that Lee Jae-yong expressed his discontent directly to the Samsung MX team, the mobile division responsible for these products, stating that their design choices felt like an “almost” blatant rip-off of Apple’s flagship products.
Reports suggest that action has already been taken against certain employees, including TM Roh, the group leader within the Samsung MX division, highlighting a significant level of concern at the highest levels of the company.
“The president intervened after the controversy over Apple’s design plagiarism and quality issues surrounding the Buds 3 series and Galaxy Watch 7 launched last month. The internal environment is currently very bad.”
Design Comparisons: Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Buds3
The design similarities between the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Ultra can’t be overlooked. The Samsung smartwatch features a circular display enclosed by a rectangular frame, presenting a look that many have compared to its Apple counterpart. Notably:
- The square and thick shape is reminiscent of the Apple Watch Ultra.
- It incorporates accents of orange, a color that Apple also utilizes in its design schemes.
Similarly, the Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro have abandoned the unique “bean” shape of prior versions in favor of a more apple-like design, characterized by:
- The iconic “stems” that protrude from each earpiece, creating a visual similarity to the AirPods.
- Gesture controls that allow users to pinch and swipe to manage playback and volume adjustments, mirroring features found in the Apple AirPods Pro 2.
Internal Reactions at Samsung
The reception of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro has not only been marred by accusations of design imitation but also by practical product issues. A couple of weeks ago, it was revealed that Samsung had to halt sales of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro in certain territories due to quality control issues. This compounded the internal tensions and frustrations within Samsung’s mobile division.
Industry Implications and Potential Consequences
Criticism from the highest levels of management in Samsung reflects broader concerns within the tech industry regarding originality and innovation. The pressures of competing in a fast-paced market have led many companies, including Samsung, to adopt designs and features from successful products, prompting debates on intellectual property and originality.
| Product | Design Features | Similar Apple Product |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch Ultra | Circular display with rectangular frame, similar coloration | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Galaxy Buds3 Pro | Stems for handling, gesture controls | AirPods Pro |
Practical Tips for Consumers Looking to Choose Between These Devices
If you are caught in the crossfire of design controversies and looking to purchase your next audio or wearable technology, consider these practical tips:
- Research Design and Ergonomics: How the devices fit and feel can significantly impact your experience.
- Reviews and Consumer Feedback: Seek out customer reviews to gauge user satisfaction, particularly concerning comfort and functionality.
- Test in Store: If possible, test the devices in store to directly compare sound quality and comfort.
- Warranty and Customer Support: Pay attention to warranty offers and after-sales support as they can be valuable in case of product malfunctions.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Samsung
With both public and internal scrutiny surrounding the design similarities between Samsung’s newest products and Apple’s iconic devices, Lee Jae-yong’s strong stance signifies the challenges Samsung faces in maintaining its image while pursuing innovation. The mobile division has now been placed under a microscope and will need to make strategic choices that respect their identity without sacrificing competitiveness in a demanding market.
