Oura has opted not to introduce a fifth-generation smart ring this year. Instead, the company has expanded its offerings by launching colorful ceramic variations of the Oura Ring 4.
These ceramic rings are priced starting at $499 and will be offered in four shades: midnight (a deep blue), petal (pink), tide (mint green), and cloud (white). Made with zirconia ceramic, Oura claims the material is exceptionally durable, so much so that it can scuff softer metals. Unlike some metal finishes that may fade over time, the colors of these ceramic models are embedded, ensuring longevity. This addresses previous concerns with the rose gold finish on the Oura Ring Gen 3, which lost its vibrant hue after a few months of use.
The ceramic rings measure 3.51mm in thickness, in contrast to the regular version that is 2.88mm thick. They also weigh more, ranging from 5.1 to 8.1 grams versus the 3.3 to 5.2 grams of the metal rings. Notably, the internal dimensions, width, and integrated sensors remain consistent with the Oura Ring 4. Sizes will be available from 4 to 15.
With this introduction, Oura targets consumers with a more vibrant fashion sense. The company is also encouraging the concept of owning multiple rings for different occasions. To facilitate this, Oura will roll out multi-ring device support, allowing users to switch between multiple rings seamlessly within the application, reminiscent of Apple’s approach with its smartwatches. Additionally, a device recycling initiative will allow users to send in their old rings when upgrading to new ones.
A noteworthy addition is the launch of a $99 charging case that is customized for each ring size. This case can hold five full charges and is capable of fully charging a ring in about 90 minutes. The case takes the same time to recharge and features an aluminum construction with a charging indicator light and USB-C charging capability.
Additionally, Oura is launching a new feature named Health Panels, allowing users to schedule blood tests through the app with local Quest Diagnostics facilities. After results are available, users can view around 50 biomarkers related to cardiovascular and metabolic health. They can also consult with Oura Advisor, the company’s AI chatbot, about their results, keeping in mind that the bot does not provide medical advice but can help determine if results are within normal ranges and offer improvement suggestions. Testing costs $99, is FSA/HSA eligible, and all evaluations are conducted by a licensed healthcare provider. Currently, Health Panels will only be accessible in the United States, with some state-level restrictions preventing access in Arizona, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
This introduction follows a similar announcement from Whoop earlier this summer, which also focuses on providing users with blood tests reviewed by clinicians. While that feature is yet to be launched, it’s noticeable that both Oura and Whoop—brands recognized for their emphasis on recovery and science—are leaning toward health tracking capabilities.
Update, October 1st: Clarified that multi-ring support allows for more than two rings, scuffing goes both ways with softer metals, and that midnight is a deep blue color rather than teal.
