According to the latest forecast from market research firm CCS Insight, Apple plans to launch a smart ring in 2026, which will become a new hardware product after the Apple Vision Pro head-mounted device. This smart ring will directly compete with Samsung's Galaxy Ring to be launched in 2023, marking the competition between the two technology giants in the field of health technology.

Ben Wood, chief analyst of CCS Insight, pointed out that the launch of the smart ring reflects the high attention paid by Apple CEO Cook to the field of health. He said that health has become a basic pillar of Apple's development strategy, and his contribution to personal health will be one of his important legacies when he retires.

The launch of the smart ring is an important extension of Apple's health product line. Wood emphasized that Cook's personal investment in the field of health makes the smart ring a natural extension of Apple's product strategy.

At present, Apple has demonstrated its attention to health through health tracking devices such as Apple Watch, and the latest AirPods Pro 2 also has built-in hearing aid function. The smart ring will further expand Apple's health product line and enhance users' experience of tracking health data.

Similar to smart watches, smart rings will be embedded with multiple sensors to track users' health data, including heart rate and activity. Oura is a pioneer in this category, while Samsung's Galaxy Ring has attracted mass market attention with a price of $399.

In terms of product strategy, both Apple and Samsung intend to lock users into the ecosystem of their own devices. Samsung's Galaxy Ring, as part of its smart devices, aims to further integrate users into its device ecosystem and achieve seamless connection from smartphones to smart watches. Apple, on the other hand, has been strengthening user loyalty by continuously expanding its product portfolio.

Wood believes that if Apple launches a smart ring, it will further consolidate its ecosystem and increase users' dependence on its devices.

Unlike other consumer electronics, smart rings face challenges in size and style because consumers have different finger sizes. Samsung's Galaxy Ring is available in a variety of sizes and colors, and consumers need to try sample sets, which increases the complexity of retail operations. However, Apple can effectively cope with the challenges of smart rings in the retail link with its strong physical retail network.

Wood pointed out that Apple's physical retail stores can provide consumers with an intuitive and convenient product trial and purchase experience, which is especially important for smart rings that need to be worn accurately.

In addition to health functions, smart rings also have fashion attributes. As a world-renowned technology brand, Apple's product design and brand image can attract consumers, making smart rings not just health devices, but also a status symbol. If the design is exquisite, Apple's smart ring is likely to become a "trendy item" sought after by fashion and technology enthusiasts.