Garmin may be gearing up for a smart‑ring launch
A new regulatory filing spotted on Brazil’s ANATEL (Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações) database has raised eyebrows among wearables enthusiasts. The entry lists ten distinct product codes – A05124, B05124, C05124, D05124, E05124, F05124, G05124, H05124, I05124 and AA5124 – all under the same umbrella of an as‑yet‑unnamed Garmin device. While the filing does not disclose a product name, the pattern of model numbers strongly suggests they are variants of a single item, most plausibly a smart ring.
Why a ring makes sense
Garmin’s recent foray into screen‑free fitness tracking came with the CIRQA Smart Band, a slim wrist‑worn device launched earlier in 2026. The company has shown a clear appetite for expanding beyond traditional smartwatches, and a ring would be the logical next step. Unlike watches, rings cannot be adjusted on‑the‑fly; they need to be manufactured in a range of sizes to accommodate different finger dimensions. The ten entries in the filing line up neatly with this requirement.
For comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy Ring is offered in nine sizes (size 5 to 13), while Oura provides eight sizes for its Ring 5 and a whopping twelve for the Ring 4. Garmin’s ten‑size approach would place it comfortably in the middle of the market, giving UK consumers a decent selection without overwhelming inventory.
A brief history of Garmin’s ring rumours
The smart‑ring speculation is not brand‑new. In July 2026, an Indonesian certification database briefly listed a product called the CIRQA Smart Ring before the entry vanished. That incident was dismissed at the time as a possible clerical error, but it now appears to be part of a broader pattern of Garmin testing the waters in the ring segment.
The latest ANATEL filing adds weight to the theory that Garmin is moving from speculation to concrete development. Regulatory filings are typically submitted months before a commercial launch, as manufacturers need to secure type‑approval for radio emissions, even for devices that rely primarily on Bluetooth Low Energy.
What this could mean for UK buyers
If Garmin does bring a smart ring to market, UK Android users could benefit in several ways:
- Fitness‑focused features – Garmin’s reputation for accurate heart‑rate, SpO₂ and sleep tracking could translate into a ring that offers more precise data than many of its competitors.
- Battery life – Rings generally out‑last wrist‑worn devices because of their smaller display (or lack thereof). Garmin’s expertise in low‑power sensor design may push battery endurance beyond the typical 4‑7 days seen in Oura’s latest models.
- Ecosystem integration – Existing Garmin users would likely be able to pair the ring with the Garmin Connect app, consolidating data from watches, earbuds and now a ring into a single dashboard.
- Potential contract bundles – Mobile operators in the UK have begun bundling wearables with data‑only SIMs. A Garmin ring could become part of a ‘health‑first’ contract offering a discounted device alongside a modest data allowance for syncing.
Pricing and launch timeline – educated guesses
Garmin has not announced any pricing, but we can infer a ballpark based on its current product line. The Venu 3 smartwatch retails at around £199, while the Venu 2 sits near £149. The Oura Ring 5 costs roughly £299 in the UK, and the Galaxy Ring is priced at about £199. Given Garmin’s positioning as a premium fitness brand, a launch price between £179 and £229 would be plausible – competitive enough to lure Oura fans while still reflecting Garmin’s premium image.
As for timing, the ANATEL filing appeared in early September 2026. Historically, Garmin’s product announcements follow a 3‑to‑6‑month lead‑time after regulatory clearance. Expect a formal reveal sometime between December 2026 and March 2027, possibly at a major tech event such as CES 2027 or a dedicated Garmin showcase.
Potential challenges
While the prospect is exciting, Garmin will need to address a few hurdles:
- Design ergonomics – Rings must sit comfortably for 24‑hour wear. Garmin’s previous wrist‑band designs have been praised for comfort, but a finger‑sized device presents a different set of constraints.
- Battery swapping vs. charging – Most rings use a tiny magnetic charger. Ensuring a quick, hassle‑free charging experience will be crucial for adoption.
- Market saturation – Oura and Samsung have already carved out loyal followings. Garmin will need a clear differentiator – likely its deep sport‑specific analytics – to win over users.
Bottom line
The ANATEL certification filing is the strongest hint yet that Garmin is preparing a smart‑ring family with ten size options. If the company follows through, UK Android users could soon have a new, fitness‑centric ring to complement their smartphones and existing Garmin wearables. Keep an eye on Garmin’s official channels and upcoming UK tech events for the first official details.
Source: Android Authority’s report on the ANATEL filing (Sept 7 2026).
