The idea of an Apple Ring has sparked speculation for years, but Tom Hale, CEO of smart ring competitor Oura, is confident that Apple won't pursue the concept. During a recent interview at the Web Summit in Lisbon, Hale argued that a smart ring would undermine the Apple Watch business and that developing such a device is far more challenging than it may appear.
"I think Apple is unconvinced about the value of having a ring and a watch together," said Hale, highlighting that Apple would likely avoid releasing a product that might cannibalize its existing wearable market. He emphasized that even with Apple’s resources, creating a functional and effective smart ring is not as straightforward as it seems. “They’re probably keeping a close eye on us, but it’s hard to do this product category right,” he added.
However, history suggests Apple may be biding its time. This skepticism from competitors is reminiscent of Palm CEO Ed Colligan’s famous remarks in 2006, dismissing Apple’s ability to break into the smartphone market. A year later, Apple launched the revolutionary iPhone, proving the doubters wrong.
Apple has certainly shown interest in ring technology, with patents dating back to 2015 for "Devices and methods for a ring computing device" and a continuation patent granted in 2019. While these filings don’t confirm a product launch, they indicate that Apple has explored the concept for nearly a decade.
Hale’s belief that a smart ring would conflict with the Apple Watch overlooks how Apple’s ecosystem thrives on device integration. The Apple Watch was once criticized as an accessory to the iPhone, but it went on to carve out its own market. Similarly, an Apple Ring could seamlessly work in tandem with the Apple Watch, adding new dimensions to health tracking, gesture controls, or other features.
Apple has proven that it’s willing to take risks—like how it disrupted its own iPod business with the iPhone. If the company sees a potential market, it may very well launch a smart ring that complements rather than competes with its existing products.
For now, Apple remains silent on the matter, but if history is any indication, competitors like Oura might want to keep a closer watch on Cupertino’s next move.
