Galaxy Buds 3's alleged stem design could use new pinch playback controls

What you need to know

• Samsung will likely drop swipe and tap controls with the upcoming Galaxy Buds 3 series.
• The Korean tech giant might opt for pinch and hold controls for the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro, per the latest APK teardown.
• The recent Samsung Members app teardown findings reveal pinch sensors on the upcoming flagship buds.

We have already seen Galaxy Buds 3 series likely opting for a new stem design this year — thanks to early marketing image leaks and via findings in the wearable app. Another Samsung app now tells us how to use the new stem design.

Together, Android tipster AssembleDebug and Android Authority, who managed to tear down the Samsung Members app, have discovered Galaxy Buds 3 series' new pinch sensor references, which also included the accompanying gestures to trigger them. These were witnessed in the 5.0.00.11 version of the Samsung Members app. 

Unlike the previous Galaxy Buds 2 and the Buds 2 Pro, which didn't come with a stem design, they had to rely on swipes and taps for playback and ANC controls. The successors, however, will likely opt for a new stem design similar to Apple's AirPods Pro models. The findings from the Samsung Members app give us a clear picture of the stem design and the pinch gestures happening towards the bottom side of the stem for both earbuds — presumably the Galaxy Buds 3 and the Buds 3 Pro.

Although the latest findings confirm the new pinch sensors for the upcoming Galaxy Buds 3 series, it doesn't yet clarify what sort of pinch controls or gestures accompany the stem design. As the publication notes, conventional controls could be seen in the upcoming Galaxy Buds, which are very similar to Apple AirPods or the more recent "Ear" buds from Nothing. 

Image 1 of 2

Firstly, these pinch controls on the Galaxy Buds 3 series could be customizable, to say the least. For instance, double pinching the stem on the Earbuds can skip or forward an audio track or decline an incoming call. Similarly, a single pinch would either accept the call to play a song or do both. Pinching and holding the stem can also trigger ANC, or users can assign other similar controls to their preferences.

Nonetheless, seeing a new change with the Galaxy Buds 3 series is encouraging if pinch controls turn out as expected. It would especially be refreshing for users coming from the Galaxy Buds 2 series or models before them.

• Earbuds deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Amazon | Samsung | Dell