When people think of wearables, they often immediately associate it with smartwatches. However, 2024 was a relatively quiet year for smartwatches, marked by iterative updates rather than groundbreaking innovations. This phenomenon is common in maturing categories, where the focus shifts from experimentation to refinement.
The Rise of Smart Rings
Smart rings, on the other hand, have seen a resurgence in 2024. While not entirely new, this category has experienced a mini renaissance in recent months. In January, several smart ring models were showcased at CES, and in February, Samsung announced its long-rumored Galaxy Ring. This move by Samsung, a major player in the smartwatch space, marks a significant shift towards embracing a new wearable category.
The Galaxy Ring: A Game-Changer
Samsung’s entry into the smart ring market has propelled this form factor into the mainstream. The Galaxy Ring can seamlessly integrate with Samsung’s Galaxy Watches to optimize battery life and sensor accuracy. When paired with specific devices, such as the Z Fold 6 or Z Flip 6, it enables features like recognizing pinching gestures for camera control. While some may view this as a way to lock users into Samsung’s ecosystem, it’s undeniable that these innovative use cases are pushing the boundaries of what smart rings can do.
Innovation Across the Board
It’s not just Samsung leading the charge in innovation. The Circular Slim, for instance, allows users to set silent haptic alarms and interact with an in-app AI chatbot. Movano’s Evie Ring has garnered attention for its distinctive open-gap design while pursuing FDA clearance for its metrics. Casio is also joining the fray with a retro-inspired smart ring that blends low-tech appeal with modern functionality.
The Competition Heats Up
Oura, previously the dominant force in the smart ring space, has faced increased competition from new entrants like Samsung and Movano. Oura’s focus on sleep tracking and recovery has led to significant advancements, but its market share is being challenged by the influx of innovative products.
The Challenges Ahead
While the interest in smart rings is palpable, several challenges remain. The high cost of these devices, compared to similarly priced smartwatches or fitness bands, may deter some potential buyers. Additionally, designing and manufacturing a smart ring requires precision due to its small size and component requirements. Fit also poses an issue, as manufacturers must accommodate varying finger sizes and account for seasonal swelling.
The Future of Smart Rings
As the renaissance continues, it’s unclear whether Samsung’s Galaxy Ring will drive sales and pique the interest of major players like Google and Apple. Oura CEO Tom Hale has confidently stated that Apple won’t enter the smart ring market, but only time will tell if this is a viable strategy.
The Interest is There
Throughout my summer of testing six smart rings, I encountered numerous curious individuals who expressed interest in these devices. Some sought to break away from smartwatches and return to more traditional wearables, while others desired discreet, beautiful designs. A few enthusiasts were heavily invested in sleepmaxxing and sought comfortable, long-lasting tracking solutions.
The Question Remains
Will this renaissance continue, or will the market revert back to Oura being the sole dominant force? The answer lies in the hands of manufacturers and consumers alike.
