Oura Ring 5 FCC Filing 2026: Should You Wait or Buy Ring 4 Now?

The Oura Ring 5 just got a lot more real. An FCC filing published on April 8, 2026 reveals a production-ready ring with larger optical sensors, improved LEDs, a softer curved design, and a new Deep Rose color. Combined with a 180-day confidentiality window pointing to September 2026, this is the strongest signal yet that Oura's next smart ring is months — not years — away. The question for buyers: is it worth waiting, or should you grab the excellent Oura Ring Gen 4 today?

What Does the FCC Filing Reveal About Oura Ring 5?

The FCC filing (ID 2AD7V-OURA2602) lists the new ring as model OA13 and its charging dock as OA14. The documents describe a commercial sample ring in size 13 — not an early engineering prototype, which signals production-ready hardware. Here's what the filing and corroborating leaks reveal:

• Larger internal optical sensors with improved red and green LEDs — a bigger sensor window means a better view of blood flow beneath the skin, directly improving heart rate and blood oxygen accuracy
• Softer, more curved outer profile compared to the Ring 4's angular design, making the transition to the inner synthetic resin cover more seamless and giving it a more traditional ring look
• Six colors: glossy black, silver, and gold; matte black; brushed silver; and a new Deep Rose finish replacing rose gold with a warmer, more bronze-like tone
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth upgrades indicated by updated wireless certification details

Separately, a Wareable investigation identified three features that may debut: blood pressure estimation, skin temperature trending for illness detection, and stress recovery scoring. None of these are confirmed by the FCC filing, but the larger sensors would be a prerequisite for blood pressure measurement on a ring form factor.

When Will Oura Ring 5 Launch?

The FCC filing includes a 180-day confidentiality request that pushes the release of hidden documentation to early September 2026. This is a standard move by hardware companies to prevent competitors from seeing final specs before launch. Based on past Oura launch timing and the production-ready state of the filing:

• Announcement: Late August or September 2026
• Availability: September to October 2026
• Pricing: Likely $349–$399, matching or slightly above Ring 4's launch price

There's also the question of timing relative to the Zepp Health patent lawsuit filed against Oura on April 21. While the lawsuit is unlikely to delay Ring 5, it adds legal uncertainty to Oura's roadmap for the first time.

How Does Oura Ring 5 Compare to Ring 4?

The Oura Ring Gen 4 was a major upgrade over Gen 3, introducing a slimmer titanium build, multi-path heart rate sensor, and improved app experience. Ring 5 appears to be an iterative refinement focused on sensor hardware:

• Sensors: Ring 5 gets larger optical sensors and better LEDs — the single most impactful upgrade for health tracking accuracy
• Design: Softer curves vs. Ring 4's angular edges — more comfortable and traditional-looking
• Colors: Ring 5 adds Deep Rose and matte/brushed options, expanding personalization
• Software: Both will run the same Oura app — Ring 4 won't be left behind on features that don't require new hardware

What Are the Best Alternatives If You Don't Want to Wait?

If you need a smart ring today and don't want to gamble on a Ring 5 launch date, here are the strongest options:

• Oura Ring Gen 4 — still the best overall smart ring with unmatched sleep tracking and the most polished app, at $349 on Amazon
• RingConn Gen 2 — best value with no subscription fee, strong battery life, and solid health tracking at $299 on Amazon
• Samsung Galaxy Ring — best for Galaxy ecosystem users, though the Oura patent risk is a concern, at $399 on Amazon

Should You Wait for Oura Ring 5 or Buy Ring 4 Now?

Here's our recommendation based on your situation:

• Wait for Ring 5 if you already have a Ring 3 or older and care about the best possible sensor accuracy — the 4–5 month wait is manageable and the sensor upgrades are meaningful
• Buy Ring 4 now if you don't currently have a smart ring and want to start tracking your health today — Ring 4 is excellent and won't be discontinued when Ring 5 arrives
• Buy RingConn Gen 2 if you want great health tracking without an ongoing subscription and don't want to wait
• Avoid Galaxy Ring unless you find it at a deep discount — the Oura patent risk makes it the riskiest option right now

The bottom line: the Oura Ring 5 is real, it's coming soon, and the sensor upgrades look meaningful. But Ring 4 remains the best smart ring you can buy today. Don't let a rumor stop you from tracking your health — upgrade later if Ring 5 delivers on the promise. Compare all smart rings in our smart ring comparison or use the compare hub.