Circular’s new smart rings add contactless payments and vibrating alerts

Circular has officially unveiled its next-generation wearable line, the Ring 3 Series, building upon the features of its predecessor with updated technology and design improvements.

The new collection is split into two distinct models to cater to different user preferences: the premium Ring 3 Pro and the highly compact Ring 3 Slim. Both of these upcoming wearables are equipped with built-in vibration motors to provide users with subtle haptic alerts for alarms, medication schedules, and guided respiration exercises. Furthermore, both versions incorporate near-field communication capabilities, enabling wearers to complete contactless transactions at payment terminals directly from their hand, reducing the daily reliance on traditional wallets or mobile phones.\n\nDespite these shared utilities, the two models diverge significantly regarding physical construction, battery performance, and health-monitoring depth. The Ring 3 Pro boasts an all-titanium build for superior structural strength, coupled with a highly efficient battery system that extends operation up to twelve days despite its physical size reduction. On the health front, the Pro model retains advanced sensors capable of recording electrocardiograms and identifying potential atrial fibrillation. Conversely, the Ring 3 Slim focuses on comfort and subtlety, utilizing a thin biocompatible epoxy inner lining instead of titanium. While the Slim version sacrifices the advanced heart-rhythm analysis, it still records general wellness data including skin temperature, sleep quality, and blood oxygen saturation. Circular plans to release both smart rings in early 2027, with pricing information to be revealed closer to launch.