Apple remains unlikely to release a smart ring anytime soon

It seems there is no Apple smart ring on the horizon. That’s according to analyst Mark Gurman who says don’t wait for such a device, it is not coming. At least not in the near future.

Speculation around Apple entering the smart ring market has persisted for years. With a reputation for creating sleek and user-friendly wearables, many expected the company to embrace this emerging product category. Samsung and Zepp Health are two big smartwatch brands who’ve recently conjured up their own offerings.

However, top Apple guru Mark Gurman suggests the tech giant is not actively pursuing the development of a smart ring. In the paywalled email version of his Power On newsletter, he revealed that “Apple isn’t actively developing a ring and has no plans to launch one.”


The patent puzzle: A hint at future potential?

While Gurman’s most recent comments pour cold water on the idea of an imminent Apple Ring, Apple’s patent activity suggests a continued interest in the concept. The company has filed various patents related to smart ring technology over the years. These filings describe a range of possibilities, such as rings that could serve as remote controls for other Apple devices, and rings that include health monitoring features like heart rate or body temperature tracking.

One of the more notable patents suggests a ring equipped with a touch-sensitive surface and motion sensors. This design could potentially interact with other Apple devices, creating a seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. The patents describe a future where a ring could complement the Apple Watch or even work as a standalone device, offering a new way for users to interact with their digital world.

Patents, however, don’t always translate into products. Companies like Apple often explore a wide range of technological possibilities through such filings without ever turning those ideas into consumer devices. They might simply exploring concepts that could fit into their long-term plans. Gurman’s statement aligns with this more strategic view, emphasizing that while the patents exist, they don’t indicate an active project.


Why Apple might hold off on a smart ring

If the speculation turns out to be accurate, Apple’s decision not to develop a smart ring right now could be rooted in several strategic considerations. The wearables market is increasingly competitive, with several brands already releasing successful smart rings. It is becoming a crowded space. Then again, the smartwatch space is no less crowded. So this is probably not a reason.

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Apple’s product philosophy often revolves around creating cohesive, polished experiences rather than rushing into new product categories. The Apple Watch, for example, was introduced after years of development, but once it arrived, it quickly became a leader in the market. A similar approach might apply here: if a smart ring doesn’t meet Apple’s high standards or fails to fit neatly into its ecosystem, it makes sense that the company would hold off on its development.

via TechRadar

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Marko Maslakovic

Marko founded Gadgets & Wearables in 2014, having worked for more than 15 years in the City of London’s financial district. Since then, he has led the company’s charge to become a leading information source on health and fitness gadgets and wearables.

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