Galaxy Ring 2 Delayed by Oura Patent Fight: Which Smart Ring Should You Buy Now?
Samsung just lost a patent battle that could reshape the smart ring market. The Patent Trial and Appeal Board ruled that Samsung failed to invalidate Oura's core ring-form-factor patent, leaving the Galaxy Ring 2's US launch in legal uncertainty. Meanwhile, Oura is going public, expanding into South Korea, and widening its lead. If you're shopping for a smart ring, the landscape just changed.
Patent Ruling
PTAB sided with Oura. Samsung failed to prove US Patent 11,188,124 B2 — covering the smart ring form factor — was obvious.
Galaxy Ring 2 Status
In "advanced development" per Samsung's TM Roh. No release date announced. US launch carries heightened legal risk.
Oura's Position
IPO filed for $16B+ valuation. Revenue nearly doubled to $1.21B. Ring 5 launched in South Korea, Samsung's home market.
What Happened in the Samsung vs Oura Patent War?
The legal battle has been escalating since late 2025. Here's the timeline:
- October 2025: Oura filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Samsung in US federal court, alleging the Galaxy Ring copied its ring-form-factor wearable design
- November 2025: Oura filed an International Trade Commission (ITC) complaint — a more aggressive move that could block Galaxy Ring imports into the US
- Early 2026: Samsung counter-sued, accusing Oura of infringing Samsung's own health-data analysis patents
- September 2026: The PTAB ruled Samsung failed to invalidate Oura's US Patent No. 11,188,124 B2, which covers a "wearable computing device in the shape of a ring"
The PTAB ruling is significant because it leaves Oura's strongest weapon — a patent on the ring form factor itself — intact. Samsung can still appeal, but the ruling makes any Galaxy Ring 2 US launch riskier.
What Does This Mean for Galaxy Ring 2?
Samsung's TM Roh confirmed at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 that the Galaxy Ring 2 is in "advanced development" and will launch "with innovations that satisfy consumers." However, no release date was announced, and the patent loss adds a new obstacle.
The practical impact: Samsung may need to license Oura's patent, design around it (potentially changing the ring's form factor), or risk an ITC import ban. None of these options are quick, which is why TechRadar described the Galaxy Ring 2 as "shelved" and questioned its future.
Is the Current Galaxy Ring Still Worth Buying?
Yes. The patent dispute affects the Galaxy Ring 2's future, not the current model. Samsung continues to sell and fully support the original Galaxy Ring at $399. Its strengths remain:
- Deep Samsung ecosystem integration (Galaxy Watch, Galaxy phones)
- Sleep tracking with Sleep Apnea detection (FDA-cleared)
- No subscription required for core features
- Titanium build quality
How Does Oura Ring 5 Compare to Samsung Galaxy Ring?
The Oura Ring 5, which launched earlier this year, is the current gold standard. Here's how it stacks up:
- Size: Oura Ring 5 is 40% smaller than the Ring 4 — the slimmest smart ring available. Galaxy Ring is thicker
- Battery: About a week for Oura Ring 5 vs. 5-7 days for Galaxy Ring
- Health tracking: Oura offers deeper sleep analysis, readiness scoring, and cycle tracking. Samsung has Sleep Apnea detection and basic health metrics
- Subscription: Oura requires $5.99/month for full features. Galaxy Ring has no subscription
- Ecosystem: Oura works with iOS and Android. Galaxy Ring works best with Samsung devices
- Price: Both start at $399
Which Smart Ring Should You Buy Right Now?
Buy the Oura Ring if: You want the best health tracking, you use an iPhone, you don't mind the subscription, or you want the most refined smart ring experience. Oura has no legal cloud over its product line and is actively expanding.
Buy the Galaxy Ring if: You're deep in Samsung's ecosystem, you want no subscription fees, or you prefer Sleep Apnea detection (FDA-cleared). The current Galaxy Ring is fully supported and well-reviewed.
Consider budget alternatives: The RingConn Gen 2 ($299) and Ultrahuman Ring Air offer solid tracking without subscriptions at lower price points. Read our best smart rings roundup for the full comparison.
Don't wait for Galaxy Ring 2: With no release date announced and a patent loss complicating the timeline, waiting for Galaxy Ring 2 means waiting indefinitely. Buy the current Galaxy Ring or switch to Oura.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 cancelled?
- No. Samsung's TM Roh confirmed at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 that Galaxy Ring 2 is in 'advanced development.' However, a key patent loss to Oura creates legal risk for any US launch. No release date has been announced.
- What patent did Samsung lose to Oura?
- The Patent Trial and Appeal Board ruled Samsung failed to prove Oura's US Patent No. 11,188,124 B2 was obvious. The patent covers a 'wearable computing device in the shape of a ring' — essentially the smart ring form factor itself.
- Should I buy a Samsung Galaxy Ring or Oura Ring 5 in 2026?
- If you're in Samsung's ecosystem and want phone integration, the Galaxy Ring at $399 is still a solid choice. If you prioritize health tracking accuracy, battery life, and legal certainty about future updates, the Oura Ring 5 at $399 is the safer bet.
- Is the current Samsung Galaxy Ring still safe to buy?
- Yes. The patent dispute affects Galaxy Ring 2's future launch, not the current Galaxy Ring. Samsung continues to sell and support the original Galaxy Ring at $399.
- How much is the Oura Ring 5?
- The Oura Ring 5 starts at $399 for the Heritage style. It requires an Oura membership at $5.99/month for full features after a free trial period. The ring is 40% smaller than the Oura Ring 4 and offers about a week of battery life.