Oura Ring 4: Details surface on next-generation smart ring

A new FCC filing has brought to light details about the upcoming Oura Ring 4, designated by model number “OA11.” This new iteration follows the third-generation, which has been around since October 2021. As first spotted by Android Authority, the certification documents explicitly refer to the device as the “Oura Ring 4,” confirming its identity as the next in the series.

Interestingly enough, the FCC filing also mentions a model called “OA12”. This is most likely a separate design variant of the ring.


What the FCC documents reveal

Photos included in the filing reveal a slightly tweaked design as compared to the current generation. They actually show a smooth and flat design, more like Oura Horizon than Heritage.

Additionally, the middle part of the ring appears to be slightly raised. Plus, there is a noticeable gradation on both sides instead of the smooth transition into the frame seen in Gen 3. While the outer part of the housing is clearly made of metal, the sensor cover maintains its transparent material construction, presumably using synthetic resin.

The sensor arrangement in the Oura Ring 4 has also been revised. However, it is not clear whether this means additional sensors or just improved accuracy of the skin temperature, SpO2, and heart rate sensors. My hope is for the inclusion of a blood pressure monitor, which would significantly expand the ring’s health monitoring capabilities. But there’s only an outside chance of that.

Oura Ring Gen 4

Two major new features are, however, expected to debut with the Oura Ring 4. First, the ring is anticipated to offer Apple Pay-style contactless payment capabilities, along with support for virtual cards. This development follows Oura’s acquisition of Proxy in 2023, a company specializing in digital identity signal technology.

Secondly, Oura is already testing a “symptom radar” feature. This is designed to alert users to significant changes in their biometric readings. It is the type of proactive health monitoring that has the potential to provide you with early warnings about health issues.

Oura Ring Gen 4

Addressing Gen 3 concerns

It would be good to see Oura address some concerns from the current generation. The launch of Oura Ring 3, nearly three years ago, was marred by the introduction of a monthly subscription fee and delayed feature rollouts. Needless to say, this has disappointed many users.

Additionally, battery life remains a point of contention. While Oura advertises a 5-day battery life between charges, many users report shorter durations. This issue seems to be common among smart rings, with battery performance often deteriorating over time.

I actually appreciate that the current Oura Ring lacks a screen or vibration feature. It reduces the number of digital distractions. Hopefully, the new model will maintain this minimalist approach. If the FCC images are anything to go by, it appears that it will.

Essential readingTop fitness trackers and health gadgets

The smart ring market has become increasingly competitive since the launch of the Oura Gen 3. New entrants include RingConn, Ultrahuman Ring Air, Amazfit Helio ring, and most recently, the Samsung Galaxy Ring. Notably, most of these competitors do not require a subscription. Which could put pressure on Oura to reconsider its pricing model.

As of now, several key details about the Oura Ring 4 remain unknown, including its launch date, price, and the full list of new features and upgrades. This iteration will enter a market that has evolved significantly since its predecessor’s launch. Oura’s choices with this new model will play a crucial role in shaping the company’s position in the increasingly crowded smart ring space.

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Ivan Jovin

Ivan has been a tech journalist for over 7 years now, covering all kinds of technology issues. He is the guy who gets to dive deep into the latest wearable tech news.

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