Apple develops iRing as smart‑ring market expands

Apple is actively developing a prototype called the “iRing,” a finger‑worn health‑monitor that would integrate with the company’s Health app and vision‑pro ecosystem. The project, hinted at since 2020 through patent filings, aims for a market launch no earlier than 2027. Analysts note that Apple’s wearable division generated about €37 billion in 2024, while Apple Watch sales fell 14 % in 2025, prompting the push into the growing smart‑ring segment, which is projected to rise from roughly €519 million in 2026 to €3.77 billion by 2034.

Competitors such as Oura (Ring 5 released May 2026) and Samsung (Galaxy Ring 2 slated for early 2027) are already active in the space. In parallel, independent testing of current smart rings identified RingConn Gen 2 as the overall leader, praised for accurate health metrics, long battery life and a free app, while Newgen Medical’s ring secured the price‑performance award at €79.90.

Smart rings track heart rate, blood‑oxygen levels, sleep patterns, stress and activity data, offering a discreet alternative to smartwatches. Apple’s iRing is expected to complement rather than replace the Apple Watch, potentially providing a lower‑cost entry point for health and sleep monitoring without subscription fees.