Samsung chief angry at mobile division for copying Apple's design

Samsung chief Lee reportedly got angry and stepped in after accusations of copying Apple's design

According to a report from AjuNews (via @lafaiel), Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee ordered the company's mobile division, Samsung MX, to reexamine its plans. Lee's strict orders reportedly came after people accused Samsung of copying Apple's design language for the Galaxy Buds 3, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra. They look like Apple's AirPods, AirPods Pro, and Apple Watch Ultra, respectively.

Apparently, actions have been taken against some people in the smartphone division, including Samsung MX leader (TM Roh). An insider reportedly claimed that tensions are rising inside Samsung MX after this move. He said, “The chairman (Lee) 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. The internal atmosphere is currently very bad.”

At the media briefing held at Samsung Store Hongdae in South Korea, reporters constantly talked about Samsung's new devices looking exactly the same as Apple's.

The Galaxy Buds 3 and the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro now have stems, similar to AirPods and several other wireless earbuds in the market. Their pinch and swipe gestures are also similar to AirPods. The boxy and chunky design and orange theme of the Galaxy Watch Ultra also look similar to the Apple Watch Ultra. Long-time Samsung fans have been disappointed with Samsung for dropping its own design language in favor of Apple's.

To make things worse, Samsung also faced quality control issues with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Some people received units with uneven gaps and fragile ear tips that are prone to tearing. Jay Y. Lee, who generally has a calm demeanor, reportedly shouted and gave strict orders to the Samsung MX division.