Katarzyna Petru
The appearance of devices is becoming just as important as their components. This is confirmed by the results of this year's iF Design Awards 2026 in Germany. The jury, evaluating designs from around the world, awarded Samsung a whopping 77 accolades. Among the awarded products were not only smartphones and televisions, but also systems that facilitate environmental care as well as audio equipment that at first glance... doesn’t resemble it at all.
Music Studio 5
The most attention was drawn to the model Music Studio 5, which won one of the two Gold Awards. The designers completely departed from the classic rectangular column form. The speaker has a rounded shape and a perforated grille that conceals the components, making the device look more like a decorative element than electronics. The device is equipped with Q-Symphony technology, allowing the speaker to wirelessly connect to the television, creating a cohesive sound system. The jury appreciated the fact that the technology was “hidden” under a timeless form that fits any interior.
Ecology in Colours
The second Gold Award went to the team responsible for the Sustainable Design Identity system. Although it sounds complicated, it refers to a very practical solution: a system of three colours placed on filters for vacuum cleaners and air purifiers. These colours inform the user when a particular component needs maintenance, when it is ready for disposal, and how to sort it.
One UI 7 and AI
Among the other 75 awards, there was plenty of room for digital solutions. The One UI 7 interface won the award for introducing a new visual style and features based on artificial intelligence. The Home Insight service, which analyses the status of household appliances and suggests to the user, for example, changing the settings of the washing machine or fridge to save energy, was also appreciated.
Source: Samsung press release
