# Oura Ring 4 vs. Oura Ring 5: Anticipating the Future of Smart Rings
The Oura Ring has remained at the forefront of the smart ring industry, providing sophisticated health monitoring in a sleek, minimalist form factor. With the **Oura Ring 4** establishing a high standard in 2025, curiosity is already growing about what the **Oura Ring 5** might offer. Drawing from **Oura’s patents**, the forthcoming ring could venture into exciting new territory, featuring advanced capabilities that could transform wearable technology.
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## **Oura Ring 4: The Premier Smart Ring of 2025?**
The **Oura Ring 4** has garnered extensive acclaim for its **thorough health tracking** devoid of unnecessary frills. It automatically tracks:
– **Sleep cycles**
– **Exercise and steps**
– **Resting heart rate**
– **Blood oxygen levels**
– **Skin temperature**
– **Stress levels**
Leveraging this information, the **AI Advisor** delivers insights into **VO2 Max, resilience, and readiness**, assisting users in enhancing their health and performance. With its **featherlight design, extended battery life, and smooth app integration**, the Oura Ring 4 has emerged as a preferred option for health-focused individuals.
Nonetheless, as competition intensifies from **Samsung’s Galaxy Ring** and other innovative smart rings, Oura may need to **push the envelope further** to retain its leadership.
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## **Oura Ring 5: What Lies Ahead?**
Oura has submitted **numerous patents**, many of which allude to potential functionalities for the **Oura Ring 5**. While these patents do not ensure execution, they offer glimpses into the company’s aspirations for the future of smart rings.
### **1. Gesture-Based Controls**
One of the most intriguing patents (US-12216829-B2) indicates that the **Oura Ring 5** could incorporate **gesture controls**. Rather than depending on buttons or displays, users could:
– **Tap or twist the ring** to perform actions
– **Use hand gestures** to manage smart devices
– **Pinch fingers together** for capturing photos
– **Begin or conclude workouts** with a simple movement
This would render the Oura Ring 5 a **more engaging and user-friendly** device, akin to the **Galaxy Ring’s pinch controls**, but offering greater functionality.
### **2. Modular Components & Replaceable Battery**
A significant drawback of smart rings is their **non-replaceable battery**. Patent US-12177997-B2 suggests that Oura could develop **modular components**, letting users:
– **Change out batteries** rather than replace the whole ring
– **Attach extra sensors** for additional health data
– **Incorporate NFC modules** for contactless transactions
– **Upgrade GPS tracking** with an external addition
This **modular concept** could prolong the lifespan of the Oura Ring 5 and enhance customization for diverse users.
### **3. Integrated GPS for Activity Monitoring**
Patent US-20230065695-A1 hints at **GPS functionality** for improved **location-specific activity tracking**. Currently, smart rings depend on **phone GPS**, but if Oura can solve battery constraints, the Ring 5 could be the **first smart ring equipped with built-in GPS**.
This capability would enable users to **monitor runs, hikes, and bicycle rides** without needing to carry their phone.
### **4. A Flexible, Adjustable Design**
Currently, Oura requires users to **select a specific ring size**, but patents (US-20250064398-A1) indicate a **flexible, adaptable ring** that could:
– **Expand or contract** to fit various fingers
– **Utilize memory shape materials** to accommodate finger swelling
– **Incorporate a C-ring structure** that allows for minor size adjustments
This would eliminate the requirement for **multiple ring sizes** and enhance the Oura Ring 5’s **versatility and comfort**.
### **5. Haptic Feedback for Notifications & Stress Management**
Patent US-20240371493-A1 suggests that the **Oura Ring 5** could feature **vibrational alerts** for:
– **High blood pressure notifications**
– **Heart rate zone alerts during exercise**
– **Navigation help (vibrating upon nearing a turn)**
– **Stress management (buzzing when stress levels increase)**
This would render the Oura Ring 5 **more responsive**, offering timely feedback without needing to consult a phone.
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## **Oura Ring 5 Wish List: Desired Features**
Aside from patents, there are numerous features that users **hope** to see in the next Oura
