Apple is reportedly engineering a smart ring, dubbed the iRing, that could challenge the Oura Ring and Samsung’s Galaxy Ring. The tip comes from leaker and prototype collector Kosutami, who posted a brief note on X on June 24. Apple’s interest appears to revive patents filed years ago for a finger‑worn biometric device. Analysts note the move could diversify Apple’s health‑monitoring portfolio.

Apple has floated the concept since at least 2020, filing multiple patents that describe ring‑based sensors for health data. The resurgence aligns with the latest Oura Ring 5, which retails for $399 and adds blood‑pressure trends, nighttime breathing analysis, and GLP‑1 medication tracking. The smaller, more discreet form factor could appeal to users who find the Watch too visible.

Industry watchers see the iRing as Apple’s attempt to broaden its wearables ecosystem without cannibalizing the Apple Watch. If the prototype reaches production, Apple would join a niche market dominated by the Finnish Oura brand, potentially leveraging its ecosystem to sync health metrics across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The rumor suggests a product could appear within the next few years.