Is Apple planning to launch a smart ring this year? We’re not so sure
Apple just launched a brand new product with its Vision Pro headset, but a new report claims the company is about to do it again with a completely different device: a smart ring. However, as intriguing as that sounds, we have a lot of doubts.
According to a report from Korean outlet ETNews (machine translated version), Apple is about to launch a new smart ring to compete with the likes of Oura and Samsung’s own upcoming device. That could give Apple relatively early access to a market that is still developing, potentially giving it a chance to score another blockbuster product.
ETNews quoted an “industry insider” who claimed that Apple’s smart ring is close: “Apple has consistently released smart ring patents for several years, so advanced development for commercialization appears to be imminent. ”
It’s true that Apple has been firing off smart ring patents left, right and center. These patents cover ideas such as connecting to other Apple devices via the bezel and embedding a touchscreen for quick control. That seems to give the impression that something big is going on.
Reasons for doubt
That all seems pretty convincing. But does this mean that the ring is closer to completion than, say, a year ago? We’re not so sure.
For starters, filing patents doesn’t necessarily mean a product will hit the market. Apple has been filing for smart ring patents for years, and rumors that the device was in development have been circulating since 2007. In fact, a patent is no guarantee that a product will ever reach the market; Apple could simply research ideas and ultimately decide not to proceed with the project.
In addition, Apple has had a lot to do with the Vision Pro in recent years. In 2023, a reputable leaker claimed that the company withdrew employees from multiple different parts of the company to focus on the headset (which is one reason why last year’s software releases were so limited). It’s hard to imagine that a smart ring could be even remotely ready once the behemoth that is the Vision Pro has sucked up all of Apple’s resources.
Still, that doesn’t mean we can completely rule out Apple doing its work on a smart ring, and you never know, we might see it sooner than expected. Don’t count on that happening this year.