Samsung Explores Ditching Bluetooth for UWB in Galaxy Buds

In a fresh development that diverges from the usual smartphone releases, Samsung has reportedly filed a patent for earbuds that utilize Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for audio transmission. This same UWB technology, known for aiding car unlocking and locating AirTags, may soon replace Bluetooth in Samsung's audio devices.

The patent, discovered by 91mobiles, a reputable source in tech news, was published by the U.S. Patent and Trade Office (USPTO). While Bluetooth will still be necessary for initial device pairing, the earbuds are designed to switch to UWB for audio once both earbuds are connected. This transition aims to enhance audio quality and reduce latency during playback.

Samsung frequently files patents to maintain its competitive edge, especially as other companies may be exploring similar innovations. However, not all patent filings lead to actual products. Yet, recent trends indicate that Samsung might be more serious about this development, according to Gizmodo.

UWB technology, which has gained momentum in the past few years, presents a significant advantage over Bluetooth. While Bluetooth often compresses audio data, leading to losses in quality, UWB operates in a higher frequency range (6.5-9 GHz), allowing for lossless audio transmission. This means users could enjoy clearer sound without the skips and interruptions that sometimes occur with Bluetooth.

Moreover, UWB boasts impressive data transfer capabilities, reaching distances of up to 25 meters (over 70 feet), compared to Bluetooth's 10 meters (about 30 feet). However, UWB signals can be obstructed by physical barriers, which might affect performance in certain environments. Nonetheless, the proximity to the audio source significantly enhances sound quality.

If Samsung moves forward with the complete integration of UWB, it could be featured in future iterations of the Galaxy Buds Pro series. The last redesign introduced a stemmed appearance, marking a departure from the previous design. Although the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro received positive reviews in 2024, a shift to UWB would represent a notable evolution in their product line. While widespread UWB adoption in smartphones is still in its infancy, the potential for this technology to redefine audio experiences is certainly intriguing.