Several supposed images of Samsung's upcoming products, which are expected to be presented on July 10, reveal a smartwatch and Bluetooth headphones that are extremely similar to the Apple Watch Ultra and AirPods 3. Will Samsung, whose products are unanimously recognized for their unique style, take inspiration from its historic rival?
In 2007, when Apple launched the first iPhone, Samsung quickly positioned itself as its primary rival. Enough to create hostilities between the two companies, which fought in court for several years to try to block the marketing of the other's products. The rivalry between Samsung and Apple mainly comes from the resemblance between the first iPhone and Samsung Galaxy which, after Apple's arrival on the market, were greatly inspired by the look of the iPhone.
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And then, over time, Samsung managed to erase this image. The Galaxy S and Galaxy Note have emancipated themselves from the iPhone, while several Chinese companies, such as Huawei and Xiaomi, have reclaimed the “Apple copier” label. Even Samsung's latest accessories, like its Galaxy Watches (watches) or Galaxy Buds (headphones), are different from Apple's. Yet the rest of the industry follows the Californian brand and its universally loved design.
On July 10, during its major Paris conference, Samsung could renounce some of its aesthetic principles. Images published on X by the leaker Evan Blass unveils new accessories very close to those of Apple.
An Apple Watch Ultra, AirPods and AirPods Pro
First usual difference between Samsung and Apple watches: the Korean prefers a round dial, while Apple opts for a rectangular one with rounded corners.
With its Galaxy Watch Ultra, Samsung could choose a round screen… in a rectangular dial. The watch would feature the Apple Watch's orange accent color, action buttons and iconic ocean strap.
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If it is not surprising to see Samsung attack Apple with an ultra watch (this range is very popular, in particular thanks to its great autonomy and its more rigid side), the fact of seeing the Korean brand take the design of the Apple Watch is more surprising. It's not his recent habits.
In terms of headphones too, the future Galaxy Buds, both in the shape of the headphones and in that of the case, seem to steal everything from the AirPods. Until now, Samsung has always designed Bluetooth headphones without stems or with an original shape (beans). Why take up that of the AirPods in 2024, when the previous Galaxy Buds are already among the best on the market?
Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6: Here, Samsung is still a pioneer
If Samsung's choice with its future accessories may be surprising, the first images of its future folding smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, remind us that the Korean remains the pioneer of folding screens. Here, as in general with its smartphones, Samsung remains one of the rare brands with its own design code. The S24 Ultra has nothing to envy of an iPhone 15 Pro Max.
In addition to new folding smartphones and very Apple-inspired accessories, Samsung is expected to unveil its first connected ring, the Galaxy Ring, on July 10. The event will take place in Paris, from the Carrousel du Louvre.