Samsung’s top boss is fuming over the latest Galaxy wearables controversies.
Samsung Electronics’ new products have caused more than just consumer criticism. According to reports, the company is now dealing with internal problems as its chairman, Lee Jae-yong, steps in following accusations of copying Apple’s designs.
The controversy started after Samsung showed off its new Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Buds3 series in the recent Galaxy Unpacked 2024. Here, people quickly noticed how these products looked a lot like Apple’s, which started debates about Samsung’s design choices.
Chairman Lee’s Anger and Intervention
Samsung’s chairman, Lee Jae-yong, has always been known for being some who’s gentle and rarely gets angry. But now, sources inside Samsung say the Chairman is being unusually tough on this issue.
This involvement comes as a shock to many within the company.
“The chairman himself stepped in after the controversy over Apple’s design plagiarism and quality issues surrounding the Buds 3 series and Galaxy Watch 7 released last month.” A Samsung Electronics official explained.
“The internal atmosphere is currently very bad.”
For a company that usually keeps its internal workings under wraps, this level of openness shows how serious the situation is.
Actions Taken Against Mobile Division Executives
The fallout has been swift and severe. Word on the street is that Samsung’s taking personnel action against some big players in the MX Division, including the group leader. While the details are still hush-hush, even TM Roh, the Samsung MX leader, might not be safe from the chopping block.
This becomes more of an issue, especially since the MX Division used to be considered “the golden child” of Samsung’s Device Experience (DX) group.
Known for its growth and AI smartphone innovations, the MX Division used to rake in the highest performance-based pay. But now? They’re in the hot seat, and the heat is cranked up to eleven.
Reasons Behind the Controversy
The root of the controversy lies in the striking similarities between Samsung’s new products and Apple’s iconic designs.
Take the Galaxy Buds 3, for instance. Gone is the quirky “kidney bean” shape that made them stand out. Instead, in its place is a “bean sprout” design with a stem that bears an uncanny resemblance to Apple’s AirPods.
Ironically, this design is similar to what Samsung mocked in its advertising for the Buds 2.
But it’s not just about looks.
The Buds 3’s control scheme now mimics the AirPods Pro, with stem presses for media control. And, the Buds 3 Pro have also adopted the same swipe gestures for volume control as the AirPods Pro 2.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra has also raised eyebrows with its rectangular frame housing a circular display. Users are quick to point out that it’s a far cry from Samsung’s signature round smartwatch aesthetic.
The similarities even extend to the orange band option, which closely resembles Apple’s offering.
Of course, this hasn’t gone unnoticed even by tech experts and influencers.
It gets worse, though. Even though Galaxy Buds 3 is very new, the earbuds already have their fair share of controversies regarding the build quality. Some of the most common concerns are reports of easily breakable ear tips.
This led to Samsung having to suspend their launch and offer refunds.