When people think of wearables, the first thing that comes to mind is smartwatches. However, 2024 was a relatively quiet year for smartwatches, with iterative updates dominating the market. This phenomenon is not uncommon in maturing categories, where innovation gives way to refinement and polish. But, as we’ll explore in this article, the same can’t be said for smart rings.
The Rise of Smart Rings
Smart rings are not new; they’ve been around for a while now. However, 2024 marked a significant turning point for the category. In January, several smart rings made their debut at CES, and then Samsung took the stage in February by announcing its long-rumored Galaxy Ring. This move was a game-changer, as it propelled what was once a niche form factor into the mainstream.
A Renaissance in Smart Rings
The newer crop of smart rings is exciting because it’s introducing some innovative ideas to the market. The Galaxy Ring, for instance, can work in tandem with Samsung’s Galaxy Watches to optimize battery life and sensor accuracy. When paired with a Z Fold 6 or a Z Flip 6, it can even recognize a pinching gesture to control the phone’s camera.
While this integration may seem like a way to lock users into Samsung’s ecosystem, one can’t deny that these are new use cases for smart rings. And it’s not just Samsung; other companies, such as Movano and Casio, are also exploring innovative ideas in the space.
Innovative Designs and Features
Movano’s Evie Ring caught my attention with its distinctive open-gap design, while its pursuit of FDA clearance for metrics is ambitious to say the least. Meanwhile, the Circular Slim lets you set silent haptic alarms and attempt an in-app AI chatbot – a feature that may raise some eyebrows.
The Competition Heats Up
Oura has long dominated this space with its sleep tracking and recovery features. However, recent years have seen new players entering the market, and it’s refreshing to see fresh ideas being introduced. Oura itself has been launching new features at a steady clip and exploring new integrations with continuous glucose monitors.
The company has even released a fourth-gen ring, but one can’t help but wonder if this competition will ultimately benefit or hurt the smart ring space as a whole.
Challenges Ahead
While interest in smart rings is there – evidenced by my own experiences wearing six different models over the summer – there are several challenges that need to be addressed. For instance, smart rings are expensive compared to similarly priced smartwatches, and they don’t quite offer the same level of functionality.
Moreover, manufacturing a smart ring requires precision engineering due to its small size and requirement for tiny components. Additionally, accommodating various finger sizes and seasonal swelling can make it tricky to get sizing right.
What’s Next?
We’ll have to wait and see whether this renaissance will continue in 2025. While Samsung’s Galaxy Ring has generated significant interest, we don’t yet know its sales performance or how committed the company is to the product line.
One thing is certain, though: if smart rings gain traction as an accessory to other devices, you can bet that Google and Apple will take notice – even if Oura CEO Tom Hale is adamant that Apple won’t be entering the market anytime soon.
The Verdict
As I reflect on my experiences with six different smart rings over the summer, it’s clear that there’s a strong interest in this category. But the question remains: will this re
