Apple is famous for its innovative and cutting-edge products. You probably know the iPhone, the iPad, the Mac, and the Apple Watch. But what if Apple is working on a new device that is even smaller and smarter than the Apple Watch? A device that you can wear on your finger and control with gestures, voice, or touch? A device that can interact with other Apple devices and even with virtual reality or mixed reality headsets?

Sounds amazing, right? Well, it might not be just a fantasy. According to recent patents filed by Apple, the company is developing a smart ring that could be the next big thing in wearable technology.

What is a smart ring?

A smart ring is a wearable device that fits on your finger. It has various sensors and features that can perform different functions. For example:

• Some smart rings can track your health and fitness, such as your heart rate, sleep quality, or activity level.
• Some smart rings can also act as a controller for other devices, such as your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV. You can use gestures, voice commands, or touch inputs to control these devices without having to pick them up or touch them.
• Some smart rings can also display information, such as notifications, messages, or images, on a small screen or through haptic feedback or sound.

How does the Apple smart ring work?

While Apple has not officially announced or confirmed the existence of a smart ring, the company has filed several patents that suggest what the device might look like and what it might do. Here are some of the features that the Apple smart ring could have, based on the patents:

• Touch-sensitive controller: The Apple smart ring could have a touch-sensitive panel on the surface that could enable control of connected devices. In the patent, Apple describes the control panel as a “ring computing device” that can receive and transmit information from external devices in the form of messages or images on a touchscreen, pulses or vibrations of haptic actuators, and sound.
• AR/VR headset control: The Apple smart ring could also be used as a controller for a virtual reality or mixed reality device, such as a head-mounted equipment with a display. The patent also mentions haptic feedback and the position of the non-ring-wearing fingers as part of the interaction.
• Gesture and swipe control: The Apple smart ring can also recognize gestures and swipes made by the user’s hand or finger and translate them into commands for connected devices. The patent also describes a camera and a microphone on the ring that could capture images and sounds and send them to the devices.
• Biometric sensor: The Apple smart ring could also have a biometric sensor that could measure the user’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, or temperature. The patent also suggests that the ring could use biometric data to adjust the settings of the connected devices, such as the volume, brightness, or color.

When will the Apple smart ring be available?

As of now, there is no official word from Apple on when or if the smart ring will be launched. However, based on the patents and the rumors, we can speculate that the device might be in the works and could be released in the next few years. Some factors that could influence the release date are:

• The competition: Apple is not the only company that is interested in smart rings. Amazon has already launched its smart ring, called the Echo Loop, that can connect to Alexa and perform various tasks, such as making calls, setting reminders, or playing music. Samsung is also reportedly working on a smart ring, called the Galaxy Ring, that could have similar features as the Apple smart ring. Apple might want to launch its smart ring before or after these competitors to gain an edge or avoid direct comparison.
• The demand: Apple might also want to gauge the market demand and the user feedback for smart rings before launching its own. Smart rings are still a niche product that might not appeal to everyone. Apple might want to test the waters and see how the consumers react to the concept and the features of smart rings before investing in large-scale production and marketing.
• The innovation: Apple might also want to perfect its technology and design before launching its smart ring. Apple is known for its high-quality and user-friendly products that often set the standards for the industry. Apple might want to ensure that its smart ring is not only functional and reliable but also stylish and comfortable to wear.

How much will the Apple smart ring cost?

Again, there is no official information from Apple on the price of the smart ring. However, based on the features and the patents, we can estimate that the device might be expensive. Some factors that could affect the price are:

• The components: The Apple smart ring could have many advanced components, such as a touchscreen, a camera, a microphone, a biometric sensor, a wireless transceiver, and a rechargeable power source. These components could add to the cost of the device, especially if they are miniaturized and customized for the ring.
• The design: The Apple smart ring could also have a sleek and elegant design that could appeal to the users. The design could involve high-quality materials, such as metal, glass, or ceramic, that could increase the durability and the aesthetics of the device. The design could also involve different sizes, colors, or styles that could suit different preferences and occasions.
• The brand: The Apple smart ring could also have a premium price tag because of the brand value and the reputation of Apple. Apple is known for its innovative and exclusive products that often command a higher price than the competitors. Apple might also want to position its smart ring as a luxury and a status symbol that could attract loyal and affluent customers.

Based on these factors, we can compare the Apple smart ring to the existing smart rings in the market and make a rough guess. The Amazon Echo Loop costs $129.99, while the Oura Ring costs $299. The Apple smart ring could be somewhere in between or above these prices, depending on the features and the design. A reasonable range could be between $200 and $500.

What are the other smart rings in the market?

The Apple smart ring is not the only smart ring that you can buy or look forward to. Many other smart rings offer different features and functions. Here are some of the other smart rings that you might want to check out:

Table

Conclusion

The Apple smart ring is a potential device that could revolutionize the wearable technology market. The device could have various features that could make it a convenient, private, and fun controller for other Apple devices and even for virtual reality or mixed-reality environments. The device could also have a touch-sensitive panel, a biometric sensor, gesture and swipe recognition, and a camera and a microphone. The device could be available in the next few years and could cost between $200 and $500. However, these are all based on patents and rumors and are not confirmed by Apple. Therefore, we have to wait and see if the Apple smart ring will become a reality or remain a fantasy.