June 30, 2025, 2:16 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Rings for tracking fitness and health data are in high demand. Oura offers such a ring, as do smartphone manufacturers like Samsung. Now, Apple might join the fray. The company is reportedly working on a ring to complement the Apple Watch.
A new report by Mark Gurman has reignited rumors about the so-called Apple Ring. In his “Power On” newsletter for “Bloomberg,” he speculates about a potential upcoming wearable from Apple that could offer several advantages over the smartwatch.
So far, only a design of the Apple Ring has been patented
Gurman’s report suggests that Apple might move away from the smartwatch, as it no longer offers significant updates. Instead, the Apple Ring could be an intriguing alternative. The report highlights the ring’s comfort, making it particularly appealing for sleeping and sports. Additionally, its compact design without a display offers significantly longer battery life and ensures the ring blends seamlessly with any outfit.
The ring is expected to offer the fitness-tracking functions of a smartwatch, which could be particularly interesting for users of mechanical watches. Although Gurman speculates about the possibility of the smart ring’s imminent release, this is not definitively confirmed. However, Apple has filed numerous patents in recent years related to the smart ring concept. These include ideas for compact displays, gesture control, haptic feedback, and integration into jewelry like necklaces or bracelets. Some designs can also be combined with the Apple Vision Pro, which recognizes finger movements.
Apple Watch 11 Will Probably Get a Big New Feature
Apple Plans More Than 20 New Products for 2025
Powerbeats Pro 2 from Apple — Features, Pros and Cons, Rating
Various smart rings already on the market
In January 2024, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Ring at its Unpacked event, further fueling rumors about the Apple Ring. At that time, Mark Gurman stated that Apple was not actively working on a ring, as there were concerns it could impact Apple Watch sales. However, Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, predicted that an Apple Ring could hit the market in 2026 as a complement to the Apple Watch. These speculations are now increasingly taking shape.
Read also: The best smart rings and what they can do
Reports about a possible Apple Ring are far from new. As early as 2007, Yanko Design published a concept called iRing, which was intended to work with the iPhone and iPod and enable music control via touch. The ring was envisioned in white and black with a glowing Apple logo and was to be charged via a special holder, offering a battery life of up to two days.