Smart Ring: Apple reportedly has no burning interest
Rings compete with smartwatches, and Samsung is joining in. Apple is exploring the market but currently has no concrete product plans.
Smartwatch instead of Smart Ring: Apple allegedly only relies on computer watches for the time being.
(Image: Mac & i)
A smart ring from Apple will probably not be available to buy for the foreseeable future. Employees of the Group are working on the corresponding technology and concepts for a finger ring that records health data, for example. This has been documented by patent applications for several years. However, according to information from Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, who is usually well-informed about Apple's projects, there are currently no concrete efforts to bring such a product onto the market. Apple is neither actively engaged in the development of a smart ring, nor is the manufacturer currently making plans to launch such a product category on the market.
More convenient sleep tracking, longer battery life
Smart rings measure health data on the finger instead of the wrist and promise more convenient sleep tracking for many people, as there is no need to wear a watch. Some rings are also available with additional functions, such as mobile payment. Until now, the market for such rings has been dominated by smaller manufacturers, but with Samsung and the Galaxy Ring, the first IT giant and direct Apple competitor, is now also getting involved.
In addition, the rings only need to be charged around once a week instead of – once a day in the case of the Apple Watch –. This is particularly advantageous for continuous nighttime recording of body values. Apple now relies more heavily on users tracking their sleep and wearing the watch around the clock: the new Vital Signs app introduced with watchOS 11 evaluates the nightly data and highlights any noticeable deviations, for example in temperature and respiratory rate. This can provide indications of an infection. However, users have to charge the watch in between, although this is now becoming faster and faster, including with the Apple Watch Series 10.
Gesture control via ring
According to patent applications, Apple was also interested in additional functions in combination with other hardware, such as the control of smart home devices using a ring finger or advanced gesture recognition. However, Gurman believes that Apple does not want to undermine the Watch product range with a ring currently – there is still potential for growth with the smartwatch.
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