Samsung might be launching wireless in-ear headphones with the Galaxy S8

The Galaxy S8 is supposedly going to follow suit with other OEMs that have decided to remove the 3.5 mm analog headphone port. Until this point though, we hadn’t heard what Samsung plans to do to cash in on the valuable accessories market that opportunity will open up. We’re now being told that Samsung has plans to launch a new pair of wireless in-ear headphones alongside the S8 next year.

Sam Mobile reports they are intended as a competitor for Apple’s AirPods (which also work on Android devices). But Samsung already has the Gear Icon X wireless earbuds that cost $150. The site also reports the new earbuds might be bundled in the box with the Galaxy S8, but that would make them a much cheaper alternative to the Icon X.

While the decision to remove the analog port from the Galaxy S8 isn’t far-fetched, it is definitely the kind of risky move that doesn’t seem to make much sense right now. Samsung needs everything to go right with the Galaxy S8. Removing a crowd-pleasing legacy item like the 3.5 mm port just seems like an easy way to upset a lot of folks.

Sure, removing it opens up some valuable real estate under the hood for other tech, but keeping it would surely have more benefits on the public relations front. Either way, we will certainly be hearing more about the Galaxy S8 headphones as time wears on, with more leaks appearing every day, despite the rumor that the device won’t be launched until April next year.

Do you think Samsung should keep the 3.5 mm port? Or is removing it the better option?