If you're among those eagerly waiting for Apple to unveil a smart ring, bad news: the Apple Ring doesn't exist (yet). And it looks like it won't be on the market for a while. Apple is currently missing the smart ring train - while competitors like Samsung, Oura and Amazfit are already measuring our sleep, heart rate and more. So why is Apple delaying? What's holding the tech giant back from introducing its own ring (yet)?
The short answer could be: Apple doesn't want to kill its cash cow – the Apple Watch (yet). The smart ring could take a piece of the Apple Watch sales pie, which is one of their most successful and profitable devices. The Apple Watch is not only a best-seller, but it also creates an ecosystem of loyalty and has become a status symbol among smartwatches over the years. That's why Apple is reportedly carefully weighing whether the ring could cannibalize watch sales – and honestly, the fear is not entirely unfounded. The Apple Watch holds users tightly in its embrace, and why would it take a risk with a new product that could compete with its own?
But the long answer is more interesting. That's what I'll try to present to you today. The fact that Apple is hesitating means it may be overlooking something bigger: the market is moving forward anyway. Samsung unveiled in July 2024 Galaxy Ring with a robust set of capabilities (from sleep and activity tracking to contactless payments and device management). Oura has been proving for years with its ring that people want discreet wearables for health monitoring – their latest Our Ring 4 It measures heart rate, breathing, stress, sleep quality and more, and its battery lasts for almost a week. And in this increasingly loud segment, the only thing missing is – Apple's fingers.
Smart rings: the future at your fingertips
Smart rings are no longer science fiction or a mere Kickstarter curiosity. They are becoming a serious trend in wearable technology. The advantage of a ring over a watch? Many see them in size and comfort. The ring is less conspicuous, lighter, does not require a strap, and can be worn practically all the time. For many, this is the pinnacle of digital minimalism: we get useful health data and connectivity without wearing an eye-catching device.
Can it replace a smartwatch?!
Also, a smart ring can It goes well with a classic wristwatch. At a time when Gen Z and millennials are rediscovering the charm of mechanical watches – for nostalgia, style or a desire to get away from screens – the Apple Watch is sometimes too obvious a gadget for them, perhaps too sporty or “too boomer”. Many young people prefer to wear their grandfather’s Rolex or a vintage Casio watch that tells a story. A smart ring would offer these users technology without having to give up their beloved analog watch. Here is the advantage of the ring: It doesn't replace the watch, it complements it. We can collect health data in the background while still wearing our sleek Omega or classic Seiko on our wrist. This is a huge opportunity for Apple - to create something that doesn't compete with the luxury tradition, but digitally enhances it.
Apple between caution and vision
How does Apple view all of this? Officially, the company is silent, but unofficially, Insiders have been revealing mixed signals for a long time. Mark Gurman (Bloomberg), known for his reliable information, claimed in October 2024 that Apple does not have an active smart ring project – “they’re not developing it, period.” The argument within Apple is said to be the fear of cannibalization of the Apple Watch, which – as mentioned – is not an unreasonable position. In the eyes of Apple executives, the watch is currently their undisputed queen of wearables and they don’t want to jeopardize its crown.
Analysts don't give up!
On the other hand There are also other rumors and predictions circulating. Analysts at CCS Insight, for example, predicted that Apple could release its smart ring by 2020. 2026. They see such a product as a logical extension of Apple's focus on health and as a response to Samsung's ring. Some online "leakers" also whisper that Apple is internally testing prototypes of the ring and the terrain type. Of course, without concrete evidence, everything remains in the realm of speculation. We have already learned at Apple that “maybe” usually means “not yet” – the company prefers to wait until the technology is mature and the market is ready before jumping into a new category.
It could be important for the future of the “Apple Ring”
Still, Apple is leaving nothing to chance behind the scenes. It has been granted several patents related to smart rings in recent years. These patents hint at how the Apple Ring could work: they describe a ring with built-in sensors to detect finger movements as an input method for VR headsets, a ring with a touch-sensitive surface to control a TV or tablet, and even a ring with an NFC chip for contactless payments. This suggests that Apple is, at least in theory, paving the way – preparing an “armory” of technologies if/when it decides it’s time to take action. Apple’s design team reportedly presented the concept of a health-focused ring to executives years ago, although it was shelved at the time. So – maybe the smart ring isn’t a priority at Cupertino right now, but it’s definitely on their minds and in research.
Why does Apple need a smart ring?
Let's ask ourselves straight: is Apple Ring even necessary? My opinion: definitely yes. Here are some key reasons why this device would be a logical (and missing) piece of Apple's story:
- Digital detox: Wearing an Apple Watch means being constantly alert to notifications – the digital world is constantly buzzing on our wrist. A smart ring, however, would be a much more discreet and “passive” companion. It would allow us to record our health without being constantly bombarded with notifications. Less screen, more peace – the ring allows for a little technological zen a break, which is becoming increasingly valuable in a hyper-connected everyday life.
- The return of a classic: As mentioned, mechanical watches, retro style and old-time elegance are back in fashion. Many people don't want to trade their Swiss watch or family heirloom on their wrist for a shiny screen. The Apple Watch is sometimes too sporty or obvious a fashion piece that doesn't suit all occasions. The smart ring, however, is an invisible ace up their sleeve: the user can remain loyal to the classic watch, while also having an unobtrusive high-tech health monitor on its finger. For Apple, this would mean addressing a segment of people who currently don't find the Apple Watch appealing - lovers of classic prestige and minimalism.
- Technological trends and synergies: Technology strives to be ever smaller and smarter. What works for Oura and Samsung will surely work for Apple – perhaps even better, given the rich ecosystem. Apple has the opportunity to tie the smart ring into its existing offerings: for example cooperation with the clock for even more accurate measurements (the ring and watch together could better monitor various aspects of health), or using the ring as a new interface for control of other devicesTrends indicate that it will ambient intelligence – computing embedded in our surroundings and bodies – has played an increasingly important role. Smaller wearable devices that work in unison (watch, headphones, ring, etc.) are the next logical step in Apple's vision of a personal ecosystem.
What could Apple Ring offer?
If we play around with the idea of what Apple's smart ring could bring, the picture is quite enticing. Based on rumors, patents, and competition, we can imagine the following features of Apple's ring:
- Health tracking: measuring heart rate, sleep quality, blood oxygen levels, respiration and maybe even blood pressure or body temperature. In short, a miniaturized Apple Watch for your finger – with an increasing emphasis on health and prevention.
- User gestures: ring as a device controller. With the movement of a finger, the user could advance slides in a presentation, scroll through songs on a to the iPhone, or in conjunction with the Vision Pro AR glasses, it could execute more precise commands in virtual reality. The ring would add digital power to our gestures.
- Apple Pay and unlocking: built into the ring NFC would allow us to pay with a touch at a contactless terminal – literally paying with our hand. It could also serve as a security key to unlock our devices (iPhone, Mac) or even our front door and car, if Apple made it possible through HomeKit and CarKey technology.
- Elegant design: Apple would definitely provide a premium design. We can expect a titanium or stainless steel case, different sizes for different fingers, maybe several color options (from silver, gold to black). The ring would be a unisex fashion accessory that should look sophisticated enoughthat we enjoy wearing every day, yet robust for an active lifestyle.
- Battery for several days: Since the ring would likely not have a larger screen (or would simply be very power-efficient), it could last much longer than an hour on a single charge. We're talking about at least 3–7 days of autonomy, depending on usage. This means less frequent charging than with a watch, which is key to a good user experience with such a small device.
Of course, all of the above is just for now speculation. It's nice to dream, isn't it? The reality may be different, but the scenario is enticing enough to make us vividly imagine it.
Meanwhile, in the competition…
To better understand where the Apple Ring would stand, let's take a quick look at the current competition in the smart ring market:
| The product | The price | Health functions |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Ring (2024) | ~400 USD/€ | Heart rate, sleep, activity; payments; device management |
| Our Ring 4 (2024) | ~400 USD/€ | Heart rate, stress, breathing, blood oxygen, sleep |
| Amazfit Helio Ring (2023) | ~160 USD/€ | Heart rate, blood oxygen, stress |
Footnote: Samsung's Ring connects deeply with their phones and devices, the Oura Ring has its own app and subscription for advanced metrics, and the Amazfit Helio offers basic features at a lower price. So the competition doesn't rest. These competitors won't wait for Apple to decide when (if ever) the time is right for them. Every year that Apple delays, these products improve and gain users—perhaps even those in Apple's camp who miss the ring in their own offerings.
What do users say?
Interestingly, the desire for Apple's smart ring already smoldering among users. Online, from Reddit forums to Network X (formerly Twitter), many are openly discussing how they would like an Apple Ring. Those who are particularly vocal are: they don't want to sleep with the clock on the wrist, as it distracts them while they are resting, and a ring would be a non-distracting alternative. Fans of prestigious mechanical watches also speak out, saying: I'm not attracted to the Apple Watch because I don't like anything on my wrist - but I would buy a smart ring right awayIn short, the demand is clearly it exists; the only thing that is not (yet) there is a suitable offer from Apple.
Conclusion: Apple, it's time to put on a smart ring
Apple has it all: cutting-edge technology, patent pipelines, a wide range of devices and services, a loyal user base, and of course, the massive media hype that accompanies its every move. It even has competitors who have shown it how it's done, creating a market that can only be expanded. All Apple lacks is decision.
If he's serious about personal health, fitness tracking, and the vision of ambient, ubiquitous technology, a smart ring is not only logical—it's almost... necessary step. If not today, then by 2026, when it is predicted that such a product could see the light of day. Apple, of course, is famous for preferring to come to the party last – but when it does, it usually makes sure that its execution is the best. It may be the same with the smart ring. As they would say at an engagement: Apple, come on – put that ring on us!
