The Oura Ring 4.
Courtesy: Oura
LISBON — Apple is not going to introduce a wise ring, the CEO of health-tech firm Oura told CNBC, despite speculation the iPhone giant could also be considering a move into this product category.
Samsung’s smart ring debut earlier this yr has put the product firmly within the highlight, with one analyst predicting earlier this yr that Apple could launch its own smart ring in 2026.
But Tom Hale, CEO of Oura — which has been developing smart rings for the reason that company was established in 2013 — said he doesn’t think Apple will enter the space.
“I believe they [Apple] are unconvinced in regards to the value of getting a hoop and a watch together and they don’t seem to be concerned about undercutting the Apple Watch as a business,” Hale told CNBC in an interview on Tuesday on the Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal.
“I believe they’re probably keeping a detailed eye on Samsung and a detailed eye on us, but it surely’s hard to do that product category right.”
Under CEO Tim Cook, Apple has put a big give attention to health applications through the Apple Watch and related services.
A wise ring is a style of wearable device stuffed with sensors that can provide the wearer details about things like their health, activity and sleep. They’re lightweight and have an extended battery life which fans say make them ideal for wearing all day, including when sleeping, versus a smartwatch that could be less comfortable and so removed more often.
“Apple may be very much a focused company. They’re like: ‘We have put our bet on the watch. We’re gonna make the watch our platform,'” Hale said.
Oura recently launched its next-generation Oura Ring 4 as competition within the wearable sector ramps up.
