Is Apple preparing to dominate the smart ring market just like it did with the Watch? Here is everything we know about the highly anticipated “Apple Ring,” from patent leaks to strategic delays.
While competitors like Samsung and Oura are expanding the smart ring market, Apple remains silent. However, leaks, patents, and historical strategies suggest this silence might be the calm before the storm. Is the tech giant preparing to redefine wearable technology once again?
The “Wait and Perfect” Strategy
Apple’s history suggests a deliberate pattern. Before launching the Apple Watch in 2015, the company waited for the market to mature and competitors to show their hands. Today, the Apple Watch is the industry standard. Experts believe Apple is applying the same “wait and see” strategy to the smart ring sector, observing the reception of the Oura Ring 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring before making its move.
Patents Reveal “Gesture Control” Capabilities
Patent filings dating back to 2019 give us a glimpse into Apple’s vision. Unlike standard health trackers, Apple’s concept appears to be a “mini computer on a finger.” Key features revealed in documents include:
- Gesture Control: A 2020 patent suggests the ring could control other devices, such as Apple TV or VR headsets, via hand movements.
- Haptic Feedback: Physical sensors that can trigger actions across the Apple ecosystem.
- Biometrics: Advanced health monitoring similar to the Apple Watch but in a purely passive form factor.
This integration suggests the Apple Ring could be more than a health tracker; it could be a key controller for the Spatial Computing era (Vision Pro).
Will It Cannibalize the Watch?
Some analysts, including Mark Gurman, have expressed skepticism, suggesting an Apple Ring might eat into Apple Watch sales. Oura CEO Tom Hale shares this view. However, a counter-argument exists: Smart rings offer distinct advantages over watches, such as longer battery life, better sleep tracking comfort, and a screen-free experience.
For now, the project remains one of Apple’s many “hidden” developments. But if Apple can balance design, battery life, and its legendary ecosystem integration, the question isn’t “if” they will launch it, but “when.”
🔧 Editor’s Note (Why This Matters for Metaverse Planet)
This isn’t just a gadget news. In the Metaverse, we need controllers that are invisible. Holding a plastic controller is old-school. A ring that detects your finger movements to control your AR glasses or smart home is the future of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
