Oura Ring 5 investigation: Three features that may debut on the next-gen smart ring
Exclusive: Snoring detection, adjustable design, and Whoop-like charging could arrive
Oura remains one of the most intriguing companies to watch in the wearable tech industry. After releasing refined hardware just last year and continuing to deliver new software innovations, PULSE has uncovered several new patent filings from the brand that show it has no intention of slowing its roll.
It makes sense, of course. Competition in the smart ring space is hotter than ever—and the Finnish brand isn’t the only one on the cutting edge.
Ultrahuman, for example, recently debuted ‘Home’ (a hub that monitors the user’s indoor environment) and ‘Blood Vision’ (a platform that hosts external blood test data), both of which are integrated alongside data from its smart ring. There are also continuing rumours of an Apple smart ring, following Samsung’s entry in 2024.
So, how will Oura stay ahead? Well, while its most recent hardware release—last October’s Oura Ring 4—delivered a tweaked design offering more sensors, improved battery life, and greater comfort, it may not be long until a fifth-gen model is in the works.
Below, we’ll explore what the IP submissions suggest about the future smart ring. Given the seemingly endless legal disputes between these major brands regarding infringement, too, these could well shape the industry in more ways than one.
Snoring microphone could power sleep apnea detection
The Oura Ring 5 might be the first in the series to include microphones. A patent filing granted in February 2025 outlined a snoring detection feature that utilizes a microphone, one also tuned to capture environmental sounds.
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