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Oura Ring 4 rumors: Everything we know and what we want to see
Updated, July 22, 2024 (7:00 PM ET): We’ve updated this Oura Ring 4 rumor hub with information from device certification listings and images.
Original article: The Oura Ring 3 is small but mighty in a wearables market saturated with wristwear. Arguably the most popular smart ring currently available, the device offers a petite alternative to bulky smartwatches without sacrificing key health measurements. It’s also one of the most powerful sleep trackers we’ve tested. With its headstart in the ring race, we don’t expect Oura to slow down anytime soon. Add Samsung’s foray into the space, and we expect Oura to continue developing its product to keep its lead.
Oura Ring 4: At a glance
- When is it expected to come out? Though there haven't been any rumors about a specific timeline for the device's launch, we do have certification listings that suggest the Oura Ring 4's arrival may be imminent.
- What new features could there be? We expect to see the ring feature the same extensive tracking tools as the current model, including detailed sleep tracking. Based on leaked images, the device may feature redesigned sensors and come in additional sizes.
- How much might it cost? There have not yet been any leaks about the device's potential cost to shoppers. For now, we anticipate the Oura Ring 4 will start at a similar $299 price point to its predecessor and likely require a monthly subscription.
Will there be an Oura Ring 4?
Yes! Smart rings may seem few and far between, but the form factor is growing in popularity (and competitors), including the new Samsung Galaxy Ring, which finally launched on July 10, 2024. In the face of this new alternative pick, Oura hardly missed a beat. The company filed FCC certification listings for an upcoming product labeled Oura Ring 4. The listing includes the model number OA11 as well as images of the new smart ring in size 10.
The certification product label actually lists two product lines, OA11 and OA12, but we have not yet seen any images or further information about OA12. It is possible that these codes may refer to variable designs such as the Heritage and the Horizon styles available in the current Oura Ring 3 generation. Between this listing and growing Oura Ring 4 rumors, a follow-up to the successful Oura Ring 3 is only a matter of time.
What is the most likely Oura Ring 4 release date?
- Oura Ring: 2015
- Oura Ring 2: 2018
- Oura Ring 3: October 2021
The original Oura Ring launched with a Kickstarter campaign in 2015. Three years later, the Oura Ring 2 arrived with improved specs and new features. In 2021, Oura announced the Oura Ring 3, the company’s most advanced model yet. Since releasing the device in October 2021, Oura has continued to roll out additional features, including Oura Circles, third-party integration, and beta features via the Oura Labs program.
So where does that leave us in terms of when to expect an Oura Ring 4? Based on the company’s three-year pattern, shoppers may see a new model hit shelves in 2024, possibly in October, like the Ring 3. We’ve said it’s unlikely Oura will release a new generation without significant hardware changes, and the images above suggest those changes may already be ironed out. We’re certainly hoping 2024 sees a new Oura Ring.
What rumored specs and features could the Oura Ring 4 have?
At this point, we don’t know much about the Oura Ring 4 specs and features (though our expectations are lofty). We anticipate the same high-level wellness tracking the company currently offers, as well as the same reliable sleep tracking. Leaked images show a similar design to the current Oura Ring 3 Horizon, with rounded edges and sides. However, the images appear to show much less pronounced bulbous sensors on the inside of the ring. It is possible that the new generation will have a reconfigured sensor package and a smoother internal wall.
Based on the certification documents mentioned above, the OA11 is also being tested across sizes 7, 9, 13, and 15. This suggests the Oura Ring 4 could be available in at least sizes 7 through 15, the same options available to Galaxy Ring shoppers. On the other hand, the Oura Ring 3 is available in a size 6, so it’s possible we will see sizes 6 through 15 instead. The filing also lists a Gold finish and suggests there may be two variants. This would echo the current model, which is also available in Silver, Black, Stealth, Gold, Brushed Titanium and Rose Gold depending on which style shoppers choose.
Finally, in 2023 Oura published a blog post announcing its acquisition of Proxy, a digital identity signal platform. This has led to much speculation that the company may be developing digital payment support for the next generation.
What might the Oura Ring 4 price be?
- Oura Ring 1 (Kickstarter campaign) — $199
- Oura Ring 1 (official retail) — $299
- Oura Ring 2 — Starting at $299
- Oura Ring 3 — Starting at $299
With the exception of the original Kickstarter pricing for the very first Oura Ring, each generation has officially retailed at $299. Though there haven’t been any leaks or rumors about the potential cost of the Oura Ring 4, our expectation is that the device will hit shelves at the same price. That means a base model starting at $299 with the possibility of a secondary, more expensive style for a premium.
We also have little reason to think the company will drop its subscription plan (despite our deepest wishes). Users pay an additional $5.99/month to access the ring’s top features. We would love to see this pricing structure go extinct, but it is unlikely.
Should you wait for the Oura Ring 4?
Without a better idea of exactly when we can expect the Oura Ring 4, it’s hard to say. This is especially true when we consider how beneficial an Oura Ring 3 ($299.99 at Oura) can be right now for someone’s health. You can’t go wrong with the current model if you’re committed to the ring form factor. On the other hand, there is a good chance Oura will wow us with the new model in an effort to stay ahead of the growing competition. The recent filing suggests the wait may not be long.
If you don’t need a device immediately, check back with this hub to see what else we learn about the Oura Ring 4’s timeline. As Oura Ring 4 leaks continue to spill, we’re hopeful more hardware upgrades will be unveiled.
If you are open to a wrist-based wearable, there are plenty of other options to consider. The Whoop 4.0 ($300 at Best Buy) offers a similarly screen-free experience. Alternatively, a device like the Fitbit Charge 6 ($159.95 at Amazon) still provides advanced sleep tracking but packs a ton more smart features and a colorful display.
Of course, there’s also the new Samsung Galaxy Ring ($399.99 at Amazon). Though the devices look very similar and will likely offer similar feature sets, the latter may appeal more to those already embedded in the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem.
Oura Ring 4: What we want to see
In our Oura Ring 3 review, we rated the device very highly. However, there are a few improvements we’d be eager to see in the next generation.
The fall of the paywall
The Oura Ring 3 introduced a nearly mandatory subscription structure we would love to see crumble. Wearables grow more expensive yearly, and it’s even worse to continue forking over cash. We’d rather the Oura hike its one-time price and drop the practice. It’s a long shot, but I’m not above crossing our fingers anyway. We’re curious to see what the pressure of Samsung opting for the subscription-free route on the Galaxy Ring does to Oura’s pricing structure.
Additional training metrics
With its focus on heart rate monitoring and temperature tracking, the Oura Ring 3 offers a fantastic holistic approach to health monitoring. Where the device doesn’t measure up is fitness tracking. Inconsistent activity stats and limited training metrics keep the ring off many shoppers’ radars. Though we value the lack of a distracting display and are happy to forego onscreen stats, there are plenty of other tools worth adding that would make the ring a better gym companion. Again, once you factor in the Samsung Galaxy Ring as a competitor, the fitness arena is one Oura can’t afford to ignore.
More smart features
Oura also cannot afford to hang its hat on its laurels. The company needs to push the envelope beyond health tracking to stay ahead of the pack. Recent Oura Ring 4 rumors suggest the company is working on contactless payment support, and that’s a solid start, but we also wouldn’t shy away from haptic alarms or a Find My Device feature. Haptics, in particular, proved one of the redeeming features of the Circular Ring during our review of that device. The capability was more useful than we anticipated, especially for use in alarms.
Thinner and more durable options
It’s hard to complain about the wizardry that is the Oura ring when we consider how much tech is packed into such a tiny form factor. Yet, we’d love to see Oura Ring models go even smaller. All the current Oura Ring 3 design options resemble a traditional men’s wedding band. Those of us with petite digits would like to see something thinner and more feminine. Additional colors would be nice, but we’d settle for the same old neutral metallics with improved scratch resistance.
Digital payment support
As mentioned, there have also been indications that Oura hopes to add digital payment support in future Oura Ring iterations, and we’d love to see that come to the Oura Ring 4. Digital payment support adds noteworthy convenience to smart devices, allowing users to make purchases without pulling out their phones or wallets. It’s a popularly used feature on many leading smartwatches.
