In recent years we have seen growing interest in smart ringsmall wearable devices that, unlike smartwatches, offer advanced features in a more discreet and minimalist design. However, according to Tom Hale, CEO of Oura, Apple does not seem willing to follow this trend, preferring to focus on its flagship product in the wearable sector: the Apple Watch.
In a recent one interviewHale revealed that Apple is not convinced of the added value of a smart ring alongside its famous watch. The main motivation? According to Hale, Apple fears that a smart ring might erode the Apple Watch marketas some of its essential functions would be replicated on a ring. To date, in fact, the smart ring is seen as a solution that could interest precisely that segment of users who prefer a less visible but equally performing device in terms of health monitoring. Furthermore, Hale believes that devices of this type are too complex to produce and would not be worth investing in for Apple.
Oura, which positions itself as a leader in the sector, has already launched its Oura Ring 4a ring capable of monitoring parameters such as movement, stress and sleep, enjoying considerable success among those looking for a non-invasive wearable accessory. Apple, despite having filed some patents related to smart rings, does not seem convinced that the market is ripe for a device of this type.
In the past, Apple’s design team would have proposed a ring as a cheaper alternative to the Apple Watch; however, company executives have not shown much interest. Furthermore, the development of a smart ring entails significant technological challenges: From battery limitations to the complexity of fitting accurate sensors into such a compact design.
The choice not to launch a smart ring also seems to be linked to Apple’s strategy of maintaining focus on the Apple Watch, now considered a point of reference in the smartwatch sector. Adding another wearable product with similar functionality could create confusion among consumers and lead to product line fragmentation. Additionally, a ring with tracking features may not be able to offer the same quality of data and functionality as the Watch, potentially leading to lower brand perception.
Despite its current position, Apple is no stranger to changing direction, especially if the market were to move decisively towards this technology. Examples like the Galaxy Ring from Samsung, already on the market and equipped with sensors for monitoring health and sleep, demonstrate that some competitors believe in the potential of this technology. If interest in smart rings were to grow significantly, Apple could decide to enter this sector, perhaps presenting an iRing capable of integrating perfectly into the ecosystem of its devices.
News
Source: www.iphoneitalia.com
