Samsung is quietly drawing the curtain on its next generation of premium earbuds, and this time the leaks are coming straight from its own software. References inside One UI 8.5 firmware have already confirmed the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro by name, and now more realistic computer generated renders give us the clearest look yet at what the Pro model will bring to the table. 
Instead of flat tutorial graphics, we finally see buds that look like actual hardware, complete with subtle curves, metal accents and a much more polished stem.
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro shown in these images appear in two classic finishes, white and black, both with a contrasting metallic cap on the top of the stem. The black version in particular stands out: a dark body with a bright silver top that makes the buds look more like a piece of jewelry than a gadget. Fans who were never fully convinced by the previous generation will probably appreciate this sleeker, almost minimalist design that feels more premium and less toy like.
The most eye catching detail is the grille cutout at the top of the stem. This is where at least one of the microphones is expected to sit, handling voice pickup and noise control duties. The microphone openings themselves are tiny, so the grille is as much a stylistic choice as a functional one, giving the buds a high end, vented look similar to modern flagship earbuds from rivals. It is unlikely to double as a touch surface. Based on earlier tutorials, the interactive area seems to be lower on the stem, where you can squeeze to control playback or calls, and swipe up or down for volume changes.
There are still no equivalent renders of the standard Galaxy Buds 4, but all signs point to the non Pro model sharing this same basic design now that the Blade Lights concept has been abandoned. Earlier illustrations suggested light up accents, yet those are nowhere to be seen in the new images. Dropping the flashy lights in favor of a cleaner, unified look should make the full Buds 4 family feel more cohesive and less gimmicky, while also simplifying manufacturing and cases.
Under the hood, Samsung is expected to refine the familiar formula rather than reinvent it. Active noise cancellation and ambient sound modes are all but guaranteed for the Pro version, and the new microphone layout hints at an emphasis on clearer calls and more precise noise control in windy environments. The stem gestures shown in tutorials suggest Samsung wants these buds to feel intuitive even to people coming from rival ecosystems, with physical squeezes offering more reliable control than tiny touch surfaces on glossy shells.
Timing wise, the Galaxy Buds 4 series is tipped to debut alongside the Galaxy S26 flagship phones, with the usual late January launch window circulating in leaked roadmaps. Pairing fresh earbuds with new phones has become part of Samsung rhythm, turning each Unpacked event into a full ecosystem update. Pricing and exact specs are still under wraps, but the design picture is now clear: streamlined stems, stylish silver on black, discreet mic grilles and a more mature overall aesthetic that should appeal to anyone who wants everyday earbuds that look as good as they sound.