Samsung chairman reportedly angry over similarities to Apple products

Samsung’s executive chairman Lee Jae-Yong is apparently unhappy that the Watch Ultra and Buds Pro feature an Apple-like design, Korean media reports.

When you look at the design of some of the latest Samsung devices, it becomes apparent where the company got its inspiration.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra, launched at the Unpacked event in July, resembles Apple’s Watch Ultra in its design. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro resemble Apple’s AirPods.

This year, Samsung ditched its bulb-shaped earphone design and adopted a similar look to Apple's, adding comparable control features.

The not-so-subtle piggybacking on Apple’s design has reportedly angered Samsung’s chairman, Lee Jae-Yong.

According to a machine translation of the Korean website Ajunews, the chairman has issued a strict order to employees of the MX division, which is responsible for the company’s mobile business operations and wearables.

The chairman has reportedly taken measures against personnel, including the head of the department, TM Roh.

The Korean outlet, citing an unnamed Samsung employee, claims that Lee stepped forward as controversy over plagiarism arose.

The publication states that tensions exist in the division and that the department's internal atmosphere isn’t good.