Apple has been granted a patent for the Apple Ring, despite conflicting reports about the company’s progress on such a device. Recent reports have suggested that the ring could be used as a health sensor and a cheaper alternative to the Apple Watch, but the patent focuses on using it as an input device.
Reports have emerged that development of an Apple smart ring is accelerating, following a teaser by Samsung of its upcoming Galaxy Ring, but these reports should be taken with a grain of salt. There has been talk of an ‘iRing’ for over a decade, with analysts pushing the idea, but this does not necessarily mean that the product will ever come to market.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has stated that there are no current plans for an imminent launch of the Apple Ring, and that the idea is simply being discussed internally at Apple. The company has filed a number of patent applications for various ring-related concepts, including using it as an input device for an AR/VR headset.
The ring would have force sensors, accelerometers, and other sensors that would allow it to gather finger press input, lateral finger movement input, and finger tap input. It could also provide haptic output using a haptic output device. Apple has specifically referenced the ring as an alternative to gloves for input devices for electronic equipment and head-mounted display systems.
It seems that Apple may have considered the ring as an input device for its Vision Pro product, but ultimately decided to use a combination of eye- and hand-tracking for control. Therefore, the invention of the Apple Ring may be redundant.
In conclusion, the Apple Ring is still in the concept phase, and there are no current plans for its development. It is possible that Apple may continue to explore the idea, but for now, it remains just that – an idea.
