We’re nearly two years on from the release of Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, which means a successor is almost certainly coming. Samsung’s Senior Vice President, Dr. Hon Pak, confirmed as much today in a conversation with Forbes. While Samsung is still holding back a lot for the grand unveiling, Pak hinted at at least one big change.
That would be the Galaxy Ring 2’s (if that is indeed its name) ability to hook up with an iPhone. Dr. Hon Pak didn’t outright confirm this was happening, but when asked about iOS compatibility, he said: “I’m smiling but I can’t say anything. I think you’ll be very pleased with some of the releases and the upcoming news.”
Ringin’ true
That’s quite a change. While Apple plays catch-up — rumour has it that the Fruit Company is building its very own ‘iRing’ — Samsung can cash in on the iPhone market looking for a minuscule wearable to slip onto a finger. The original Galaxy Ring didn’t require a Samsung device to connect it, but it did require Android 11 and up.
There’s no telling when Apple will show up to the ring party, leaving the field clear for Samsung. Particularly if the South Korean company will have it ready to show off in time for Galaxy Unpacked, which is rumoured to take place on 22 July in London. The company will almost definitely show off its new line of foldables and watches.
Read More: What to expect at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked next month
While the Ring 2 is rumoured to receive some new hardware, Dr. Pak noted that software could be the deciding factor for buyers. “If you look at the comparison of other rings, regardless of the competitor, the sensors are not that different right now,” he said. “It’s really about what services you create on the top layer. It’s really the software differentiation that you see.”
Still, it’s the hardware that interests Stuff most. Previous rumours (via Notebookcheck) indicate that the Galaxy Ring 2 is due a bigger battery — one that’ll extend life by up to nine or ten days. The first Galaxy Ring capped out at a week. That bigger battery will live inside a slimmer shell that’s reportedly more comfortable to wear. And finally, the Ring 2 is expected to redesign its sensors to measure skin temperature more accurately.
