Oura CEO Tom Hale believes that Apple will not enter the smart ring market despite the rumours. In an interview with CNBC, Hale stated that it is highly unlikely that Apple will undercut Apple Watch as a business. He noted, “I think they [Apple] is likely unconvinced about the value of having a ring and watch together, and they’re not interested in undercutting the Apple Watch as a business”.
He added, “I think they’re probably keeping a close eye on Samsung and a close eye on us, but it’s hard to do this product category right.
Digging my Oura 4 ring. A tremendous amount of insight.
I don’t like wearing things on my hands. But this is changing my mind. pic.twitter.com/XVfY5O8VbN
— Dave Wilber (@TurfgrassZealot) November 14, 2024
While smart rings and smartwatches offer similar health-monitoring functions, Hale emphasized that Apple is focused on refining and expanding the capabilities of the Apple Watch rather than adding a smart ring to its lineup. He highlighted Apple’s strategy of prioritizing the Apple Watch as its main health-tech platform, favoring depth in one category over diversifying its product offerings.
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He further noted, “Apple is very much a focused company. They’re like: ‘We’ve put our bet on the watch. We’re gonna make the watch our platform.”
Notably, Samsung recently launched its first-ever smart ring globally that sparked an interest in this category. Oura, on the other hand, has been making smart rings since 2013. Earlier, it was rumoured that Apple is expected to launch its first-ever smart ring in 2026.
Apple won’t launch a smart ring, says Oura CEO: ‘It’s hard to do’ https://t.co/xdvpRSzXMP
— CNBC (@CNBC) November 12, 2024
Under CEO Tim Cook, Apple has placed significant emphasis on health-focused applications through the Apple Watch and its associated services.
For the unversed, a smart ring is a wearable device equipped with sensors to track health, activity, and sleep. Lightweight and with long battery life, it is considered ideal for all-day wear, including during sleep, unlike smartwatches which may be less comfortable and often removed.
Launched at Rs 38,999, Samsung Galaxy Ring has debuted in India with 7 days of battery life, advanced sleep analysis, heart rate monitoring, menstrual cycle tracker and more.
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