Samsung is developing the Galaxy Ring 2, with an expected launch in early 2027 alongside the Galaxy S27 series. According to TM Roh, President of Samsung’s MX Division, the company is conducting “advanced development” to meet consumer demand, though he noted that product completeness takes priority over a fixed release cycle.
Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 Release Date and Timeline
The Galaxy Ring 2 will likely debut at a winter Galaxy Unpacked event in early 2027. Samsung did not unveil the device at its July 22, 2026, Unpacked event, though TM Roh confirmed its existence during a post-event press briefing.
A May 2026 report from the Korean publication ETNews stated a 2026 shipping date is “virtually impossible.” The publication attributes this delay to Samsung’s efforts to integrate new battery technology and the ongoing patent dispute with Oura.
Did you know? Samsung’s health strategy focuses on software. Hon Pak told Forbes in June 2026 that the company is prioritizing “software and services rather than sensors and other hardware.”
Expected Specifications and Hardware Upgrades
The next-generation ring aims for a thinner and lighter titanium build through optimized component placement. According to leaked specifications, battery life will increase from roughly seven days to an estimated 9 to 10 days on a single charge.
Connectivity is expected to jump to Bluetooth 6.0 and NFC, an upgrade from the BLE 5.4 found in the original. The device will likely utilize 8MB of internal storage running Zephyr RTOS. To better compete with Oura’s range of 4 to 15, Samsung may expand its sizing beyond the current 5 to 13 range.
Confirmed and Rumored Sensor Array
- Heart Rate & Temperature: Optical heart rate monitor and skin temperature sensor.
- Movement: Accelerometer and gyro sensor.
- Health Tracking: Sleep stages, HRV, calorie tracking, and automatic workout detection.
NFC Payments and iPhone Compatibility
Samsung is expected to add NFC support to the Galaxy Ring 2, allowing users to make contactless payments via Samsung Wallet. The original model lacked NFC, a gap that Reddit users and community forums frequently cited as a primary drawback.
Regarding iOS support, Hon Pak told Forbes in June 2026 that users would “be very pleased with some of the releases and the upcoming news” when asked about iPhone compatibility. While the first Galaxy Ring works with Android, several key features remain locked to the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem.
The Oura Patent Dispute and Market Stakes
A legal battle with Oura could impact the Ring 2’s availability in the U.S. Oura filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission in November 2025 alleging patent infringement. Samsung responded with a countersuit in the Eastern District of Texas.
In July 2026, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board ruled that Samsung failed to invalidate one of Oura’s key design patents. However, Samsung successfully struck down six of 11 challenged Oura patents and is currently appealing the remaining five. A victory for Oura at the ITC could lead to a U.S. import ban on Galaxy Ring products.
Comparison: Galaxy Ring 2 vs. Oura Ring 5
| Feature | Galaxy Ring 2 (Expected) | Oura Ring 5 (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Release Window | Early 2027 | May 2026 |
| Battery Life | 9-10 Days | 8 Days |
| NFC Payments | Yes | No |
| Subscription | None | $5.99/month |
| Price | ~$399 | From $349 |
The smart ring market is projected to grow from $518.9 million in 2026 to $3.77 billion by 2034. Samsung’s primary competitive edge is its subscription-free model and the FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection introduced on the original Ring in fall 2026.
Pro Tip: If you are choosing between brands, check for FDA clearances. Samsung’s integration of medical-grade screenings without a monthly fee is a significant differentiator from Oura’s subscription model.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 coming out?
It is expected in early 2027, likely debuting alongside the Galaxy S27 series.
Will the Galaxy Ring 2 work with iPhone?
Samsung has not officially confirmed it, but Hon Pak suggested in a Forbes interview that users would be “very pleased” with upcoming news regarding compatibility.
Does the Galaxy Ring 2 support NFC payments?
Yes, it is expected to support contactless payments via Samsung Wallet, addressing a major criticism of the first generation.
How much will the Galaxy Ring 2 cost?
It is expected to be priced around $399, maintaining the original’s launch price and remaining subscription-free.
What do you think about the shift toward subscription-free health wearables? Will the addition of NFC payments make the Galaxy Ring 2 your primary wearable? Let us know in the comments below.
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