Smart Rings Surge, Threatening Smartwatch Dominance

Smart rings are emerging as a significant new category in the wearable market, challenging the long‑standing dominance of wrist‑worn devices. Oura has sold more than 2.5 million units, and Samsung has entered the space with its Galaxy Ring, prompting other manufacturers to take notice. Users report fatigue from constant wrist notifications and the need to charge multiple devices, making the discreet, multi‑day‑battery ring attractive for sleep and vital‑sign monitoring.

The trend is gaining traction in Europe, with Indian startup Ultrahuman expanding aggressively, Chinese company RingConn offering seven‑day‑battery models, and rumours that Apple is exploring the format. Unlike smartwatches, rings act as pure sensors, relying on smartphones for visual interaction and advanced analysis, reinforcing the phone’s role as a central hub. This dynamic benefits vertically integrated firms such as Samsung, while offering opportunities for price‑competitive players like Xiaomi and Huawei, especially in markets like Portugal where smartphone prices remain below the Western European average.