Galaxy Watch Ultra and Buds 3 with an Apple look: internal trouble at Samsung?
Critics say that two of the latest Samsung products are very similar to Apple models. They are allegedly also available from the company itself.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Ultra: First take a closer look at which is which.
(Image: Samsung / Apple)
Okay, it has a round watch face, but otherwise the new Galaxy Watch Ultra only seems to have one source of inspiration: the Apple Watch Ultra 2: The Apple Watch Ultra 2. Even the orange accents, the diver's strap and the standard dial including its font are based on the smartwatch from the Cupertino-based company. The situation is similar with the Galaxy Buds 3. Although they are also available in silver on request, they have an optical AirPods case with certain similarities in design. We don't know what Samsung - actually a very innovative company - has done here. But criticism from the gadget scene followed hot on its heels. And, according to a new report, it is also happening internally: Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong has allegedly intervened in person.
Gentle chairman is angry
As the South Korean medium Ajunews writes, Lee Jae-yong was "angry" with the work of the Mobile Division (known internally as MX). He is even said to have demanded that a "complete management analysis" be carried out. The atmosphere was "ice-cold". The meeting was reportedly about the controversy surrounding "Apple design plagiarism and quality", with Buds 3 and the new Galaxy Watch taking center stage. An insider told Ajunews that the mood was "not really good".
It is not known exactly what words Lee Jae-yong had for the team. However, there are said to have been "personnel measures" against some managers, including the group management of the MX department. The chairman is known as a person with a gentle nature, according to Ajunews. There is said to have previously been a more positive mood within the MX division due to the AI functions being added to its smartphones. Now it looks like the competitor department DX ("Device Experience") will receive more bonuses, the report continues.
Criticism at home too
There was also criticism of Samsung's design decisions in South Korea itself. The operation of the Buds 3 is now based on the AirPods, the charging case is "almost identical" and Samsung has even adopted gestures. It is also incomprehensible that the Galaxy Watch Ultra has adopted the orange accents of the Apple Watch Ultra.
The quality also appears to be problematic. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro apparently had broken parts; the ear tips are "fragile", according to Ajunews. It is now foreseeable that the MX department will rethink its design considerations and take a different approach in next year's products. However, the next Galaxy launch is only months away.
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