Oura Reinvents the Smart Ring with Ceramic Editions and New Features

Oura has decided that technology alone is no longer enough to make people covet its smart rings – it now wants to win over those who think as much about jewelry as they do about health metrics. The company has just unveiled a new line of ceramic editions of the Oura Ring 4, aiming to blend style, durability, and advanced health tracking into one package. These new models aren’t simply a rehash of the familiar titanium rings; they mark Oura’s first real attempt to position its product as a true piece of luxury jewelry with a technological soul.

The ceramic Oura Rings come in four shades – Midnight, Petal, Tide, and Cloud – and carry a hefty price tag of $499.

That’s about $150 more than the standard Oura Ring 4, a difference Oura clearly hopes customers will justify by the material’s prestige. Made from zirconia ceramic, these rings borrow from fine jewelry traditions. Zirconia is not only tough and scratch-resistant, but also lightweight, biocompatible, and capable of holding vibrant finishes that don’t fade easily over time. For anyone who treats wearable tech as a fashion accessory, that last part is crucial.

In terms of size and weight, there are differences worth noting. The ceramic editions are slightly bulkier, with a thickness of 3.51mm versus 2.88mm on the standard version. Weight also goes up: between 5.1g and 8.1g, compared to the regular 3.3g to 5.2g. While this isn’t a dramatic change, those who are sensitive to jewelry weight may notice the added heft. However, the core functionality remains identical. The same health and activity sensors are here, the same inner design, and sizing options still range from 4 to 15. This reinforces the idea that Oura is prioritizing aesthetics, not introducing a technological leap forward just yet.

According to Miklu Silvanto, Oura’s chief design officer, the idea behind the ceramic finish is to create something that feels closer to traditional jewelry than consumer electronics. “Ceramic is a remarkable material that gives us the freedom to explore form, color, and texture in a way that feels deeply personal,” he explained. In other words, Oura isn’t just making another gadget – it’s trying to craft a wearable piece of art that people would be proud to show off, even without the health-tracking angle.

That strategy aligns with another key update: Oura has quietly introduced multi-ring support within its app. Much like how Apple Watch owners swap between different bands or models, Oura users can now pair and switch between multiple rings with ease. Clearly, the company wants its customers to see Oura rings as collectible – something to coordinate with clothing or occasions, not just a one-size-fits-all gadget. It’s a clever business move: encourage ownership of more than one ring, and people might be tempted to build a collection.

Oura also rolled out a portable charging case, designed to make traveling with the rings more practical. Made from recycled aluminum, this splash-resistant case is compact enough to fit in a pocket or handbag and holds up to five full charges. Both the case and the ring recharge fully within 90 minutes, and the case uses USB-C, making it compatible with most modern chargers. The accessory doubles as a protective storage box for rings not currently in use. While it’s sold separately, it makes Oura’s ecosystem more flexible, a necessary step given Samsung’s competing Galaxy Ring already includes a similar accessory.

On the software side, Oura is taking a bolder leap into health management. Its new Health Panels allow users to schedule blood tests at Quest Diagnostics labs across the United States. The results – covering around 50 biomarkers related to cardiovascular and metabolic health – are then delivered directly to the Oura app. To help interpret these numbers, Oura has built an AI assistant called Oura Advisor. While the bot won’t diagnose illnesses, it does explain whether results are within a healthy range and suggests general lifestyle improvements. Tests cost $99, may be eligible for FSA/HSA coverage, and are reviewed by licensed healthcare providers. For now, the feature is US-only, with certain states excluded due to regulations.

All these additions underline Oura’s determination to cement its place as the category leader in smart rings. The company has already invested in women’s health features, expanded its software partnerships, and set up a new manufacturing site in Fort Worth, Texas. It also recently secured a significant legal victory against rivals Ultrahuman and Ringconn, with the US International Trade Commission imposing a sales ban on both competitors starting October 21. That legal win, combined with new colors, hardware accessories, and medical integrations, gives Oura momentum in an increasingly crowded wearable market.

What’s striking about this update is that Oura isn’t relying on raw technological advancement to attract attention. Instead, it’s turning the Oura Ring 4 into a fashion statement – something more flexible, personal, and stylish. The ceramic finishes not only make the rings more playful and expressive, but also differentiate them from the cold metal look of traditional wearables. When paired with the new charging case and app upgrades, the Oura Ring 4 feels less like a fitness tracker and more like a lifestyle companion. For many, that could be worth the extra cost.

Still, the elephant in the room remains price. At nearly $500, the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic sits well above many feature-packed smartwatches. For consumers weighing raw utility against aesthetic appeal, that premium could be hard to justify. Yet for those who value both wellness and style, Oura’s bet on ceramics might just pay off, offering something neither a watch nor a bracelet can deliver – a fusion of high-tech tracking with the intimate elegance of jewelry.