According to CCS Insight, Apple (AAPL.US) may launch a smart ring competing with Samsung (SSNLF.US) before 2026, increasing the focus of this American tech giant on the health sector.

This prediction is part of CCS Insight's annual forecast report, and if it comes true, it will be the first new product from this tech giant since the launch of the Apple Vision Pro headset this year.

CCS Insight's chief analyst Ben Wood said on Tuesday: "Health has become a fundamental pillar for Apple. In fact, I would even say that when Tim Cook decides to relinquish control and retire... one of the main legacies he leaves at Apple will be personal health."

"Considering the depth of Cook's personal involvement in the health sector, I believe the ring is a very beneficial extension for Apple," he added.

Wood emphasized Apple's focus on the health sector, from the Apple Watch equipped with all sensors to the latest AirPods Pro 2 headphones that can double as hearing aids.

Similar to smartwatches, smart rings embed various sensors to track health indicators such as heart rate.

Oura is one of the pioneers in this field, but Samsung introduced the Galaxy Ring this year, bringing this style of product to a larger audience as it aims to make greater efforts in the health sector.

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is priced at $399, adding to the product portfolio of this south korea technology giant from smart phones to smart watches, as the company aims to lock users into its device ecosystem.

Apple has also adopted a similar strategy in its product lineup, attempting to keep their already sticky customers within its hardware ecosystem. Wood said the ring will add another product to their lineup.

Unlike other consumer electronics products, from a retail perspective, the ring is quite complex due to the different sizes of people's fingers. Samsung offers rings in various sizes and colors, with users receiving a sample size kit before purchasing a ring.

Wood stated that the difference between Apple and Samsung is that Apple has a large and stylish physical retail store presence, which will help in selling the ring product to customers.

"I also think their retail footprint is very suitable for it, as the ring is a complex product to bring to the market," Wood said.

The ring is also considered a fashion accessory. Wood noted that Apple's products still remain attractive in the market.

"Apple is a brand with a certain prestige, a product that makes people proud. I believe Apple's exquisitely designed ring can become a symbol of status," Wood said.

The project may be abandoned.

However, according to the well-known leaker Mark Gurman, Apple has shelved the development of smart rings, a decision made after years of internal exploration and discussions within Apple, with the company ultimately choosing to prioritize its mature wearable technology - Apple Watch.

According to analysts, the reason Apple may have shelved the smart ring is that this product could cannibalize sales of the Apple Watch, which is considered a key factor in Apple's decision.

Gurman stated: "Apple sees no reason to launch a new product that could cannibalize sales of the Apple Watch, which continues to perform strongly and lead the fitness tracking market."

Although rumors about Apple's smart ring have been circulating for years, the company has never formally confirmed its development. This report suggests that the project may never have progressed beyond internal testing and prototype stages.

This news may disappoint fans hoping for a more streamlined wearable device from Apple. However, it reinforces the company's commitment to Apple Watch as its primary wearable device.