When the Samsung Galaxy Ring launched in 2024, it generated significant excitement. The move marked a bold expansion for Samsung into wearable tech, and early signs suggested it was a success, with pre-orders selling out in some markets. Critical reception was also strong, with the device earning high praise — including being named the best smart ring by several reviewers.
Momentum, however, appears to have slowed. According to English-language Korean outlet Koreajoongang Daily, citing unnamed industry sources, the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 is not expected to appear at Samsung’s next Unpacked event, typically held in January or February. More strikingly, the report suggests that a sequel may not arrive at all.
While early demand was strong, the site claims overall sales failed to meet expectations. This contrasts with earlier reports from SamMobile, which noted that Samsung increased production by an additional 600,000 units last year due to high pre-order demand. If the latest reports are accurate — and they remain unconfirmed — it appears Samsung may have overestimated broader consumer interest, with enthusiasm largely driven by early adopters and dedicated Samsung fans.
Oura and the legal backdrop
Samsung’s main rival in the smart ring market is Oura, the company behind the Oura Ring 4. Oura has been developing smart rings longer than most competitors and has recently taken aggressive steps to protect its position.
The company has filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission against Samsung, Reebok, and several other smart ring manufacturers, alleging patent infringement. This follows successful legal action against Ringconn and Circular, both of which have since been restricted from operating in the US market.
Given this ongoing legal dispute, Samsung may be choosing caution. Delaying or canceling a global Galaxy Ring successor could help the company avoid potential legal costs, product recalls, or market disruptions if the rulings go against it.
The smart ring market in 2026
As 2026 approaches, the smart ring category finds itself in an unusual position. Despite a wave of high-profile launches in 2024 and continued software innovation — particularly from Oura, whose Ring 4 earned health and fitness device of the year honors — hardware progress has been limited.
Most smart rings today rely on a similar formula: a compact set of sensors, a rechargeable battery, and a polished outer shell. With Ringconn and Circular sidelined in the US due to legal challenges, and Oura aggressively defending its patents, competition may narrow further. If Oura succeeds, even a Galaxy Ring 2 could be off the table.
One notable exception is the Pebble Index 01, a niche, small-batch device that departs from health tracking entirely. Instead, it functions as a wearable memory aid and voice assistant, featuring a microphone and a physical button — highlighting that innovation in the category may come from entirely new use cases rather than incremental hardware upgrades.
