Last month, Samsung unveiled a slew of new products. While the Korean brand showcased its new foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, along with its connected ring, the Galaxy Ring, other products hit the market with a sense of déjà vu.
Samsung’s New Lineup: Familiar Designs?
During this summer launch, Samsung introduced products that seemed heavily inspired by those of its competitors. The new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra bears a striking resemblance to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in terms of design. Similarly, the new Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro mimic the stem format—with or without ear tips—of the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2.
Critics and commentators quickly pointed out these similarities, and they did not escape the notice of Lee Yae-yong, the chairman of Samsung’s board. According to South Korean media outlet AJU News, the Samsung chief expressed his displeasure with the company’s mobile division. Usually known for his measured statements, Lee was reportedly quite upset: “The president reacted after the controversy over the design plagiarism of Apple and the quality issues surrounding the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 released last month […]. The atmosphere is very bad right now.”
Striking Resemblance to Apple’s Products
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra not only adopts the nomenclature of Apple’s high-end watches but also mirrors its square format, additional action button, and even its orange hue. For the earbuds, Samsung has ditched the idea of using in-ear tips for its two new pairs, reserving this format for the « Pro » model, much like the AirPods. Additionally, the new pairs feature stem formats and do not fully fit into the ear canal, unlike previous models.
This isn’t the first time Samsung’s product designs have been compared to Apple’s. In the early 2010s, Apple won a lawsuit against Samsung over the design and software interface of the South Korean brand’s products.
Quality Control Issues with New Releases
In addition to the issue of inspiration, Samsung faced several controversies during the launch of the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro. Various problems related to the earbuds’ finishing were reported, prompting Samsung to delay several orders to improve product quality control.
Reflection on Product Strategy
It’s clear that Samsung is under significant scrutiny both internally and externally. As a long-time observer of the tech industry, I remember a similar situation back in the early 2010s when product design battles were at their peak. These latest events serve as a reminder of the importance of innovation and quality in maintaining consumer trust. Perhaps, this moment will push Samsung to further refine its approach and continue to lead with originality and excellence in the tech market.
