You’ve seen the TikToks. You’ve read the frantic Reddit threads. Maybe you’re even hovering your mouse over the "Buy Now" button for the Oura Ring 4 but that little voice in your head is whispering: What if the Oura Ring Gen 5 drops next month? Honestly, I get it. Nobody wants to drop nearly 400 bucks on a piece of tech only to have it become "the old version" eight weeks later. But here is the reality check you probably need: the Oura Ring Gen 5 doesn't exist yet. In fact, it's not even close.
Why the Oura Ring Gen 5 is still a long way off
If you look at how Oura operates, they aren't like Apple or Samsung. They don't do the whole "new year, new hardware" dance. It’s just not their vibe.
The Oura Ring 4 only hit the shelves in October 2024. Before that, the Gen 3 had a massive three-year run. If we follow that logic—and there’s no reason not to—the Oura Ring Gen 5 isn't likely to show its face until late 2026 or even 2027. We are currently in the middle of the Gen 4 lifecycle.
Right now, Oura is focused on "Smart Sensing." This was the big leap for the 4th generation. Instead of those little bumps (the domed sensors) that used to poke your finger in the Gen 3, the current model has recessed sensors. They doubled the signal pathways from 8 to 18. Basically, they built a platform that is designed to last for years through software updates, not hardware swaps.
What the "leaks" are actually saying
You might see "Oura Ring 5 leaks" floating around the darker corners of tech blogs. Take them with a massive grain of salt. Most of these "leaks" are actually just wish lists from enthusiasts. People want the moon. They want:
- Integrated Blood Pressure Monitoring: This is the "holy grail" of smart rings. Oura is currently doing a Blood Pressure Profile study (announced in late 2024), but that's a long-term research project.
- Haptic Feedback: Imagine your ring vibrating to wake you up or alert you to a text. It sounds cool, but it kills battery life.
- A "Charging Case" like the Galaxy Ring: The current Oura charger is a puck. It works fine, but it’s not portable.
- Zero Subscription Fees: Kinda doubtful. Oura’s business model is built on that $5.99/month membership.
The most realistic "leak" for a future Oura Ring Gen 5 would probably involve a solid-state battery. That would allow the ring to get even thinner while lasting 10+ days. But that tech is still cooking in the lab.
The competition is heating up
Oura used to be the only game in town. Now? Not so much. Samsung crashed the party with the Galaxy Ring. RingConn just showed off their Gen 3 at CES 2026. This competition is actually good for us. It means Oura can't just sit on their hands.
But instead of rushing out an Oura Ring Gen 5, the company is doubling down on AI. Have you seen "Oura Advisor"? It’s their AI health coach that launched in 2025. It looks at your data and tells you, "Hey, maybe don't drink that third espresso because your stress levels are already spiking." This is where the real innovation is happening—in the app, not the ring itself.
Should you wait or buy the Gen 4?
If you are waiting for the Oura Ring Gen 5 because you think it’ll be a life-changing upgrade, you’re probably going to be waiting a year or two.
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The Gen 4 is already incredibly solid. It has a fully titanium interior, it's water-resistant to 100 meters, and it actually fits comfortably because the sensors are flat. If you need sleep tracking or cycle insights today, the Gen 4 is the pinnacle of what’s currently possible.
The only reason to wait is if you absolutely hate the idea of a monthly subscription. If that's the case, an Oura Ring Gen 5 probably won't fix your problem anyway. You’d be better off looking at something like the RingConn or the Ultrahuman Air.
Actionable advice for smart ring shoppers
Stop scrolling through "Gen 5" rumors that have no basis in reality. If you want to jump into the Oura ecosystem, here is how to do it right:
- Get the sizing kit first. Seriously. Don't guess. Your finger swells when you sleep and shrinks when it's cold. Wear the plastic sizer for 24 hours.
- Check your perks. Some credit cards (like the Amex Platinum) have offered Oura credits in the past.
- Think about the finish. The Silver and Black are the "budget" options at $349. If you want Rose Gold or Gold, prepare to pay a "fashion tax" that pushes the price closer to $500.
- Ignore the "Oura Ring 5" clickbait. If Oura hasn't announced it on their official "The Pulse" blog, it's just noise.
The "perfect" time to buy tech is usually "right now" if you actually need the benefits. In the world of wearables, your health data today is worth more than a hypothetical sensor upgrade two years from now.