Apple Ring Will Come Sooner Than Later, New Supply Chain Report Says

Joseph Henry, Tech Times 20 February 2024, 02:02 pm

Recent reports suggest that Apple's long-rumored "Apple Ring" might be closer to reality than previously thought, with Samsung's unveiling of the Galaxy Ring further fueling speculations about Apple's entry into the smart ring market.

Samsung-Inspired Apple Ring

(Photo : Luismi Sánchez from Unsplash)
Apple has not yet released a smart ring that can compete with Oura and other known smart ring makers. However, a new report claims that this Cupertino-made wearable will soon arrive.

According to sources cited by ETNews, Apple is inching closer to unveiling its own smart ring. The company has reportedly filed numerous patent applications in this regard, spurred further by Samsung's recent move. Although Apple has not disclosed a specific launch date for the device, speculations are rife about its imminent arrival.

Potential Market Growth and Apple's Interest

Entering the smart ring market could prove lucrative for Apple, considering the projected exponential growth of the industry. Business Research Insight forecasts a substantial surge from $20 million in 2023 to nearly $200 million by 2031. With a burgeoning interest in health and wellness, smart rings equipped with biosensors for health monitoring align well with Apple's objectives.

Patents Hint at Advanced Features

Apple's extensive patent filings shed light on the potential capabilities of its smart ring. Recent patents suggest features such as touch controls, gesture input, heart-rate monitoring, and even integration with other Apple devices like smartphones and headsets.

The patents also explore innovative concepts like pressure-sensitive input and privacy concerns, indicating Apple's thorough research and development efforts in this area.

Apple Smart Ring Rumor Isn't New Anymore

Rumors surrounding an Apple smart ring date back to as early as 2007, with notable mentions during an Apple supplier tour in 2013. Over the years, Apple has consistently explored the concept through various patent filings, including designs featuring touch-enabled displays, accelerometers, and gyroscopes.

Despite the lack of concrete launch details, Apple's sustained interest in smart ring technology is evident through its patent portfolio.

As per Apple Insider, previous reports had mentioned that Apple could likely add an external band on the ring which could be used for extra touch controls.

Last year, the publication also spotted that there were smart rings that were capable of controlling an Apple Vision Pro. Even then, there were others that operate when someone snaps his/her fingers.

There was also a patent for the Apple Ring in 2015 that said iPhones and Apple TVs could be "commanded" using the wearable. Additionally, the patent indicated that the smart ring could provide handwriting capture functionalities through its gyroscope module and accelerometer. It's even reported to have NFC and Bluetooth connectivity. However, they all did not materialize.

It might be a high time to stray away from some Apple Ring rumors since there have been several inaccurate reports about it in the past. Always take this kind of news with a grain of salt. Until the Cupertino giant confirms its release officially, we never know how long we should wait before we see the Apple Ring finally hitting the market.