Samsung has inadvertently confirmed a radical new open-ear wearable called the 'Galaxy Able,' quietly leaking its name through the official Galaxy Wearable app. The discovery, made by eagle-eyed users and reported by Forbes, reveals that Samsung is preparing to enter a new wearable category beyond smartwatches and earbuds, with the Galaxy Able likely aimed at augmented reality or ambient audio experiences.
Forbes journalist Paul Monckton reported on July 5, 2026, that the Galaxy Wearable app—the primary software for pairing and managing Samsung's wearable devices—contained references to the 'Galaxy Able' alongside upcoming smartwatch models. The app is the central hub for all of Samsung's wearable ecosystem, making this leak one of the most credible confirmations of a device that has been rumored for months.
The 'Galaxy Able' is described as an open-ear wearable, a form factor that sits outside the ear canal, allowing users to hear ambient sounds while still receiving audio cues. This positions it as a competitor to devices like the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses or Bose Frames, but with Samsung's own integration of Galaxy AI and Bixby. The name 'Able' suggests a focus on accessibility and ability augmentation, possibly incorporating health sensors and voice assistance.
Samsung has not commented on the leak, but historically, such app references are deliberate previews of upcoming hardware. The Galaxy Wearable app has previously leaked names like the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Buds Pro 3 before official announcements. The 'Galaxy Able' could debut at Samsung's next Unpacked event, likely in August 2026, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Watch 8.
Industry analysts view this as a strategic pivot for Samsung. The wearable market is saturated with smartwatches and true wireless earbuds, but open-ear wearables represent a growing niche—particularly for fitness, navigation, and hands-free AI interaction. IDC data shows that open-ear audio devices grew 42% year-over-year in 2025, driven by consumer demand for situational awareness and all-day comfort.
For now, the Galaxy Able remains a name on a screen, but the confirmation through Samsung's own software signals a serious push. Consumers can expect more details on features, pricing, and availability in the coming weeks. If Samsung delivers a compelling open-ear wearable with deep AI integration, it could reshape how we interact with digital assistants and real-world environments simultaneously.
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Samsung Quietly Confirms Radical 'Galaxy Able' Wearable
Samsung's own Galaxy Wearable app has leaked the names of its upcoming devices, including a radical new open-ear wearable called 'Galaxy Able.'
Paul Monckton, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
7/10
Key Takeaways
- Samsung's Galaxy Wearable app v6.2.3, released on July 4, 2026, contains string references to 'Galaxy Able' alongside 'Galaxy Watch 8' and 'Galaxy Buds Pro 3'.
- The 'Galaxy Able' is described in the app as an 'open-ear wearable,' indicating it does not block the ear canal, similar to bone-conduction or speaker-based glasses.
- This leak follows rumors from Korean media in May 2026 that Samsung was testing a smart glasses device with AI capabilities under the project name 'Haeundae'.
- Samsung's wearable division reported $12.4 billion in revenue in 2025, with Galaxy Watch and Buds accounting for 68%; a new category could expand total addressable market.
- Open-ear wearables have seen 42% CAGR since 2023, with major players like Bose, Shokz, and Meta already in the space; Samsung's entry would intensify competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Samsung Galaxy Able is an upcoming open-ear wearable device that leaked via the Galaxy Wearable app. It is expected to be a pair of smart glasses or earwear that leaves the ear canal open, allowing users to hear ambient sounds while receiving audio.
The Galaxy Able name was discovered in the Galaxy Wearable app by users analyzing the app's code. Forbes reported the finding on July 5, 2026, citing references to 'Galaxy Able' alongside upcoming Galaxy Watch and Buds models.
Samsung has not announced a release date, but leaks often precede an Unpacked event. The most likely launch is in August 2026 alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Watch 8.
While unconfirmed, the Galaxy Able is expected to offer open-ear audio, AI assistant integration with Galaxy AI, health monitoring sensors, and possibly augmented reality capabilities. It will compete with products like Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses.
The exact form factor is unclear from the leak, but 'open-ear wearable' typically refers to glasses, headbands, or earhooks that sit outside the ear canal. Samsung may combine audio and AR features in a glasses design.
Samsung wearables generally work best with Galaxy phones but are compatible with other Android devices via the Galaxy Wearable app. The Galaxy Able will likely require Android 12 or later and a Samsung account.
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www.forbes.com
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