Apple is rumored to be working on its new wearable device, the Apple Ring, while Samsung is preparing to introduce its first Galaxy Ring at the upcoming Unpacked event this summer. Full-scale production of the device is expected to begin next quarter, marking Apple’s entrance into the smart ring market.

For nearly a decade, Apple has been exploring the idea of a smart ring and has filed patents for various features such as a camera and NFC support for mobile payments. The sensors embedded in the ring can collect data that is then transmitted to a smartphone, allowing wearers to track health metrics, fitness levels, exercise routines, and sleep patterns.

One interesting feature of the Apple Ring is its potential support for Vision Pro, as revealed in a patent granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office. This patent also highlights the use of gestures to navigate the device’s functions, enabling users to interact with the ring through pinching, sliding, and snapping fingers.

Additionally, the Apple Ring could complement an Apple Watch by allowing users to draw on their palm while wearing both devices. This integration suggests that the smart ring may enhance the functionality of Apple’s existing wearables.

Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to see what health-related features Apple will incorporate into the Apple Ring. With its track record of life-saving features like heart rate monitoring, EKG sensors, fall detection capabilities, and blood oxygen sensors (despite legal challenges), Apple may introduce similar functionalities in its smart ring.

However, amidst concerns about monopolization in the smartphone market and its impact on other industries like smartwatches, Apple may need to ensure compatibility with Android devices in addition to iPhones. This move could broaden the appeal of the Apple Ring while addressing regulatory challenges in an increasingly competitive tech landscape.