What you need to know
- Citing an insider source at Samsung, a report claims that company leaders are furious with its recent products and their Apple-like design language.
- MX Division President Lee Jae-yong has reportedly become “angry” and created “tense” situations at Samsung following criticism from the media and consumers.
- The flip side of the president’s anger is the latest outbreak of product quality issues affecting the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, leading to the immediate suspension of all shipments.
Problems have reportedly begun to emerge internally at Samsung, particularly in its MX Division, responsible for mobile devices and wearables.
Reports of an alleged Samsung insider speaking to News from Aju (Korean) suggests that division president Lee Jae-yong has become angry with the design direction. The problems arise from the latest Galaxy Buds 3, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Headphonesand the Galaxy Watch UltraIt’s no secret that these devices resemble Apple’s AirPods and Watch Ultra in some ways, and that’s where these rumors begin.
“The president himself intervened after the controversy over Apple’s design plagiarism and quality issues surrounding the Buds 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 series launched last month,” a company source said. “The internal environment is currently very bad,” he added.
The MX Division president’s frustrations are reportedly rooted in the various rounds of criticism Samsung has received. Post-Unpacking.
The publication explains that when visiting a Samsung store in Hongdae (Seoul, South Korea), many said the products were “same as Apple’s.” Another case allegedly involved a Samsung store employee who said, “you might feel it’s similar to the Apple Watch Ultra” about the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Chairman Lee remains frustrated by the recent product quality issues Samsung devices have experienced. Not only have the Buds 3 been recalled for a new round of quality control, but the company has been forced to either “exchange” them or “refund” consumers’ money.
If you look at the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro, it’s clear that Apple was a source of inspiration for Samsung. With a stem design instead of the round, bulbous look of the previous Galaxy Buds, Samsung invaded Apple’s territory. Whether in the name of competition or not, the Korean brand’s leadership is No pleased.
From the design of the earbuds to the case, the Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro are very… AirPod Reminder.
Shortly after Unpacked, user reports flooded Samsung’s official channels with problems As for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, reports ranged from the earbuds having two different heights to issues with the LED and problems with the silicone in the ear breaking quite easily. The issues were unpleasant, and Samsung quickly halted all shipments of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro until it could conduct a full quality check.
The other side of this is the Galaxy Watch UltraThe “Ultra” model is something Apple has done for a while, and it typically offers a bulkier look than the standard model. Samsung did the same, and while the body of the watch can be differentiated, the rock-orange band and button scream Apple.
With South Korean users and Samsung leadership upset, it will be interesting to see what happens this time next year.