There have been several rumors about Apple's work on a finger-worn smart ring, and while there's some mixed information about such a device, it doesn't appear that there is an "iRing" in development at this time.
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy RingThis guide aggregates what we've heard so far about the potential for an Apple-branded smart ring.
Potential Features
A February 2024 rumor from Electronic Times suggested that Apple is "speeding up development" on a smart ring with health-related features, but later information contradicted this. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has said that Apple has no plans for a smart ring right now.
If Apple did design an Apple Ring, it could potentially track heart rate, activity, sleep, and respiratory rate, using that information to provide users with sleep insights and health recommendations. Apple could also use a smart ring as an input device for the iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro, or Mac.
Ring vs. Watch
Apple already has an Apple Watch that is able to track multiple health metrics, and while a ring might be more comfortable for certain activities, Apple might be reluctant to cannibalize Apple Watch sales with a device that does almost the same thing.
A ring would not likely need a constant connection to an iPhone or another Apple device because it has no display, so the battery would probably last for a longer period of time. On the downside, a smart ring would convey information via Bluetooth or a similar method, so while it would collect data, that data would not be synced to the iPhone in real-time as it is with the Apple Watch.
Apple's Competition
Samsung created the Galaxy Ring, a finger worn smart device that launched in July 2024. It can track heart rate, activity, and sleep, plus it is able to make wireless payments and control Samsung devices.
Companies like Oura and Ultrahuman have been making and selling smart rings for several years. The latest Oura ring is able to collect activity information and measure heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep quality.
Oura CEO Tom Hale doesn't believe that Apple will get into the smart ring market because an Apple-designed smart ring might undercut sales of the Apple Watch. Hale said that Apple is likely "unconvinced about the value of having a ring and watch together," and he said that while the company is likely keeping a close eye on both Oura and Samsung, an Apple smart ring probably won't happen because "it's hard to do this product category right."
Ring Patents
Apple has patented smart ring technology. One patent, for example, explains how a smart ring (or several smart rings) could be used as a control method for a VR headset. Sensors in the ring would gather input from the user, and haptic output could provide feedback.
Another patent describes using a ring with a touch-sensitive display to control a TV or tablet, while a third outlines a smart ring with NFC.
Release Date
While Electronic Times said that Apple is seriously considering a smart ring, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claimed in February that Apple is not actively developing a finger-worn device at this time.
Apple's industrial design team did present the idea of a smart ring focused on health and fitness to executives a few years back, but it is not a project that Apple is planning to bring to market right now.
