Circular announces smart rings with NFC payment capabilities

Wearable manufacturer Circular has announced its next generation of smart rings, the Ring 3 Pro and Ring 3 Slim, at IFA 2026. These devices introduce integrated NFC interfaces, enabling contactless payments via Visa and Mastercard. The rings also feature a vibration motor to provide haptic feedback for incoming notifications.

The Ring 3 Pro is designed for advanced health monitoring, featuring an FDA-cleared electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure trend tracking, and continuous glucose monitoring. Despite these features, the device weighs between 3 and 4 grams and offers a battery life of up to 12 days. The Ring 3 Slim focuses on a compact design, measuring 2.35 millimeters in thickness and weighing between 1.9 and 3 grams.

In broader market comparisons, the RingConn Gen 2 has been recognized for its performance in laboratory and daily use tests, noted for its accuracy in tracking heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep apnea detection. While various manufacturers compete in the smart ring sector, the market is currently divided between high-end comprehensive health trackers and more affordable fitness-focused models.