Smart rings occupy a unique space in wearables: less obtrusive than watches yet packing sophisticated sensors. Oura, a leader in the category, is now targeting the luxury segment with its new Ring 4 Ceramic. Priced at $499, this iteration shifts focus towards high-end fashion while retaining the core health-tracking technology of the popular Oura Ring 4.

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The Oura Ring 4 Ceramic Collection in Cloud (white), Tide (light blue), Petal (light pink), and Midnight (navy). (Credit: Oura/ZDNET)

Material Science and Design Choices:
The defining characteristic of the Ceramic Ring is its zirconia ceramic construction. Oura touts this material for its exceptional shine and durability compared to the metals used in their standard rings. The ceramic coating aims to maintain vibrant color integrity over time, resisting fading or discoloration. Early hands-on reports highlight the ring's smooth finish but also note its increased thickness compared to the Ring 4, a deliberate design choice emphasizing its role as a bold accessory. However, this premium material comes with a caveat: it's prone to scuffing from softer metals, though Oura includes a specialized ceramic polishing pad to address this.

Under the Hood: Familiar Tech, Premium Price:
Beneath the glossy ceramic exterior lies the same technology found in the Oura Ring 4. This includes sensors for:
* Sleep staging and scoring
* Heart rate monitoring (resting, overnight)
* Body temperature tracking
* Activity and recovery metrics (Readiness Score)
Battery life remains consistent with the existing model. The significant price jump – the standard titanium Oura Ring 4 starts at $349 – is attributed solely to the ceramic material and fashion positioning. Access to detailed health insights still requires Oura's $69.99/year membership subscription.

The Multi-Ring Ecosystem and Charging Innovation:
Perhaps more impactful for existing Oura users than the new ring material is the simultaneous launch of multi-ring support within the Oura app. This long-requested feature allows users to pair and seamlessly switch between multiple Oura rings on a single account. Data collection continues uninterrupted regardless of which ring is worn, enabling users to match their wearable to their outfit or situation without losing continuity in their health metrics. This positions the Ceramic Ring as a potential secondary device within a user's Oura ecosystem.

Complementing the multi-device approach is a new Travel Charging Case ($99). This accessory holds the ring and provides approximately five full charges on the go, addressing a common pain point for travelers or those who occasionally forget to charge their ring overnight.

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Oura's new Travel Charging Case, capable of providing five full charges. (Credit: Oura/ZDNET)

Analysis: Targeting the Luxury Wearable Niche:
Oura's Ceramic Ring launch signifies a strategic push into the luxury wearable market. By emphasizing aesthetics and premium materials while leveraging its established health-tracking platform, Oura aims to attract consumers for whom a smart ring is as much a fashion statement as a health tool. The high price point creates clear segmentation within their product line. The introduction of multi-ring support is crucial, making the ecosystem stickier and encouraging existing users to invest in a second, more fashionable ring. However, the value proposition hinges heavily on whether the target audience prioritizes unique design and material over the significant cost premium for identical sensor technology. For developers and the wearables industry, this move underscores the increasing importance of personalization and aesthetics alongside core functionality in high-end health tech.

Source: Based on reporting by Nina Raemont for ZDNET, October 1, 2025.