Circular has introduced its Ring 3 Series as an upgrade over the Ring 2, featuring both a Pro and Slim model that integrate contactless payments, vibrating notifications, and enhanced health monitoring capabilities scheduled for early 2027 release.
- Ring 3 Pro supports AFib detection with FDA clearance
- Both models include NFC for contactless payments
- Battery life improved up to 12 days with wireless charging
What happened
Circular announced the Ring 3 Series, building upon their Ring 2 smart rings introduced at CES 2025. This new generation introduces two versions: the Ring 3 Pro and the Ring 3 Slim. The Pro model retains advanced health monitoring features like FDA-cleared atrial fibrillation detection through ECG sensors, while the Slim model offers more basic health stats without ECG capability.
Both models support vibrating alerts for alarms, medication reminders, and breathing exercises, and introduce an integrated NFC chip to enable contactless payments. The design improvements include a slimmer and more durable titanium build for the Pro version, while the Slim opts for a lighter, biocompatible epoxy material.
Why it matters
Circular’s Ring 3 Series represents a convergence of health monitoring and everyday convenience by incorporating contactless payments directly into a compact wearable device. This eliminates the need for carrying wallets or phones for quick transactions, enhancing user experience and mobility.
The significant battery life enhancements, with up to 12 days for the Pro and 10 days for the Slim model, combined with a wireless charging case that can recharge multiple times on a single charge, address common usability concerns for smart wearables. Additionally, the FDA-cleared atrial fibrillation detection in the Pro model underlines Circular’s commitment to medical-grade health monitoring.
What to watch next
Pricing details for the Ring 3 Series have not yet been disclosed, but the devices are expected to become available in early 2027. Market reception will likely depend on the affordability and reliability of the new features, particularly contactless payments integrated seamlessly with health tracking.
Future developments to watch include potential software updates to enhance health analytics, expansion of payment capabilities, and user feedback on comfort and accuracy for the two distinct form factors. Circular’s ability to maintain FDA clearance and privacy protections will also be key factors for adoption.