Samsung and Oura can rest easy – Apple isn't developing a smart ring

Apple currently isn't making a smart ring for one simple reason

News By Stephen Warwick published 7 October 2024

2024 might have heralded the new Samsung Galaxy Ring and the long-awaited Oura Ring 4, but a new report says that tech giant Apple isn't planning to join the fellowship anytime soon.

Patents and rumors of an Apple Ring have been swirling for years and the popularity of other discrete fitness trackers on the market makes the industry an enticing proposition.

However, top Apple insider Mark Gurman says that Apple isn't working on one right now, and doesn't have plans to start anytime soon.

Writing in the paywalled email version of his Power On newsletter this week, Gurman revealed that "Apple isn’t actively developing a ring and has no plans to launch one."

But why would Apple pass on the chance to release an innovative new product in an emerging market? There's one simple reason – Apple Watch.

Apple is keeping fitness on the wrist, for now...

As Gurman notes, introducing an Apple Ring "would detract from the Apple Watch." He reveals that Apple has "no reason to cannibalize a product that still has room to grow and is the envy of the fitness-tracking industry."

While both Samsung's Galaxy Ring and the new Oura Ring 4 are impressive bits of kit, there's not a ton they offer over Apple Watch right now. Both types of device feature broadly similar fitness and health features such as exercise tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and more.

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