Future Samsung Galaxy smartphones could get the audiophile seal of approval, thanks to a major new acquisition.
The company’s Harman subsidiary, which already bolsters Samsung’s audio provision, has just announced the acquisition of Masimo’s audio division.
This will bring several prestigious audio brands under the Samsung banner, including Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, and Polk Audio.
What does this deal mean for Samsung phones?
Added to Harman’s existing audio brand roster of Harman Kardon, Arcam, AKG, Mark Levinson, JBL, and Revel, this $350 million deal will further entrench its leading global position in the consumer audio market.
It’ll also give Samsung a formidable – dare we say unparalleled – assemblage of audio expertise to draw upon for its smart devices. And make no mistake, Samsung intends to put this brain power to use across its consumer electronics business.
Michael Brown / Foundry
Samsung announced (via machine translation) that “The company plans to apply the professional audio technology/know-how accumulated from the recently acquired B&W, Denon, and Marantz to Samsung Electronics’ smartphones, wireless earphones, headphones, TVs, and sound bars to expand the market and enhance customer experience.”
Imagine a successor to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra, perhaps – packing speakers provided by British audiophile favourite Bowers & Wilkins, or audio tuning from established Japanese specialist Denon. It could give it a major edge over Apple, Xiaomi, Oppo and co.
Other benefits to Samsung’s latest audio deal
Samsung also plans to use its new audio muscle to enhance its SmartThings smart home connectivity, with even more speakers and audio devices brought into the fold.
Samsung’s car audio business should also see a boost with an expanded audio brand offering.
Harman is expected to complete its acquisition of Masimo’s audio division by the end of the year, so we wouldn’t expect to see the fruits of this expansion in Samsung’s smartphone business for a while yet.