- Samsung and Huawei unveil smart ring plans, validating the emerging category.
- Apple rumored to be developing its own health-focused smart ring.
- Tech giants eye revenue potential in hardware sales and subscription services.
Smart rings have slowly gained traction in recent years, but major tech players are now racing to control the finger-worn device market. Samsung showcased its Galaxy Ring prototype at this year’s Mobile World Congress, a smart ring tracking heart rate, sleep, and fertility.
Smart rings era
Analysts believe Samsung’s entry cements smart rings as a viable product category. Not to be outdone, Huawei’s Honor brand also unveiled plans for its smart ring.
While startups like Oura pioneered smart rings until now, big brand names like Samsung bring increased legitimacy and Apple has long been rumored to have a smart ring in the works.
Apple smart ring in the works
According to Bloomberg, some Apple executives want to launch a health and fitness-focused smart ring. With Apple’s strength in wearables, a smart ring aligns with its ecosystem.
Part of the smart ring appeal is the subtle form factor versus bulky smartwatches. Rings can offer multi-day battery life and accurate sleep tracking, given the lack of a screen and finger-wearing position.
Where will this go from here?
As the tech improves, smart rings may provide advanced health monitoring like blood pressure and glucose.
Tech companies also see potential in subscription services – users pay monthly fees to access health insights, AI coaching, and actionable data. If executed properly, smart rings could soon be ubiquitous.
