Apple Urged to Build Smart Ring as Oura Ring 5 Shrinks 40%

Q: Will an Apple smart ring be a one-time purchase or add another subscription to users' monthly bills?

No one knows yet, because Apple has not announced a smart ring. But based on Apple’s current health-device model, it would most likely be sold as a one-time hardware purchase for core tracking, not require a mandatory monthly fee just to see your basic health data. That is the key contrast raised in the reporting. Oura charges an ongoing membership fee to unlock deeper insights, while Apple does not currently charge a subscription to access the health data collected by the Apple Watch. The article argues Apple should avoid Oura’s approach, especially since Google’s Fitbit Air is being praised for offering subscription-free use and rivals such as Samsung’s Galaxy Ring and RingConn also avoid mandatory fees. The strongest evidence points to a split model if Apple ever enters this market: the ring itself would likely be bought outright, while optional premium services could sit on top of it. Apple already does this elsewhere with services such as Fitness+, which adds coaching and workouts without putting the Apple Watch’s core health metrics behind a paywall. So the most reasonable expectation is a one-time purchase for the device, with any subscription—if Apple adds one—more likely tied to advanced coaching, AI insights, or bundled wellness services rather than basic ring functionality. Until Apple announces a product, though, that remains informed speculation rather than confirmed pricing.

1 articles · Updated · PCMag · Jul 1

PCMag columnist Tyler Hayes argued Apple should make a smart ring, saying a screen-free finger wearable would extend Apple Health better than another wristband.
Sleep tracking is the main case: Hayes said Apple Watch overnight use is often uncomfortable, while a ring can capture sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen and stress with less disruption.
Apple’s AI ambitions also underpin the pitch, because richer all-day and overnight data could help a revamped Siri deliver more useful health and fitness guidance instead of generic recommendations.
The argument comes as non-watch wearables gain momentum, with Google’s $99 Fitbit Air drawing praise and Oura’s Ring 5 arriving 40% smaller than the prior model.