Bloomberg News reporter Mark GurmanThe latest issue of the "Power On" columnIn the article, Apple's long-rumored smart ring device was mentioned again, which may become the next step for Apple to expand its smart wearable device territory.
Mark Gurman pointed out that since the Apple Watch has had limited updates in recent years, and many companies such as Samsung have launched a number of smart ring products that record users' physical conditions in a lighter, portable form, Apple's long-rumored smart ring "Apple Ring" may become the next step for Apple to expand its wearable device portfolio.
At the same time, smart wearable devices presented in the form of rings are not only more suitable for long-term wear, but also more convenient for recording body data during sleep or exercise. In addition, because there is no display screen interference, its battery life can be maintained longer, which may attract users who do not like frequent charging and screen interference.
Apple has already quietly laid out its plans, and the idea of smart rings is not groundless.
The idea of an "Apple Ring" wasn't just a pipe dream. As early as 2007, a designer on the Yanko Design platform released a concept design called the iRing, complete with the iconic blue Apple logo. The concept included touch controls, playback controls, and even a ring-shaped charging dock, showcasing the product's potential applications.
In addition, patent documents filed by Apple over the years also reveal that the company has considered integrating a number of innovative features into smart rings, such as sensing knuckle bending, providing tactile feedback, and integrating operations with Vision Pro. There is even a concept of a design that can be expanded into a bracelet or necklace. All these signs indicate that Apple has long had corresponding ideas for smart rings.
Samsung launches Galaxy Ring, sparking competition
Before Apple actually launched the "Apple Ring", there were already many similar products on the market.OuraOther companies have launched smart ring products, and Samsung also launched its smart ring last year.Galaxy Ring, and even plans to launchSubsequent products, and Acer also announced itsSmart Ring Products, indicating that many industry players are more optimistic about the development of smart ring applications that cause less interference to users.
While there are numerous indications that Apple has patents and R&D capabilities related to smart ring technology, it currently appears to have no plans to launch such a product. This may be due to concerns about impacting the Apple Watch market. However, given that the Apple Watch lineup has remained relatively unchanged in recent years, Apple may be looking to stimulate market demand with the "Apple Ring."
The launch timing is still unclear, but the calls are growing
Apple has not yet confirmed or disclosed whether it will launch the "Apple Ring", but market expectations are that Apple will announce this product as early as 2026, and it may even complement the user experience of Apple Watch. Therefore, many market analysts believe that Apple may use the "Apple Ring" to drive greater market demand.
