Circular Ring 3 adds NFC payments and haptic alerts to its smart ring lineup
Circular introduced the Ring 3 Series, including a Pro model with FDA-cleared atrial fibrillation detection and a slimmer Slim variant with reduced tracking. Both versions incorporate NFC for contactless payments and vibrating alerts for alarms and reminders. The Pro's battery life extends to 12 days, and it uses titanium construction.
The Ring 3 Series marks Circular's second-generation refresh, following the Ring 2's CES 2025 debut. The Pro model upgrades to titanium construction on both inner and outer surfaces, while battery life jumps from seven to twelve days despite a smaller cell. A wireless charging case provides five to six additional full charges before needing an outlet.
The Slim variant trades the Pro's titanium interior for a biocompatible epoxy, reducing weight and thickness for a more discreet fit. It retains PPG sensors for heart rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature, sleep, and HRV tracking, but omits the ECG sensor and FDA-cleared atrial fibrillation detection found on the Pro. Both models share NFC payment capability and haptic vibration alerts for notifications and guided breathing.
Smart rings occupy a growing niche between traditional wearables and jewelry, and the addition of NFC payments could accelerate their adoption among users seeking to reduce phone dependence. The Pro's FDA-cleared AFib detection may appeal to older consumers managing cardiac health, while the Slim's lighter design could attract fitness-focused users who find bulkier rings uncomfortable. However, the early 2027 availability and unannounced pricing may temper immediate market impact, and consumers may weigh whether subscription-free health tracking justifies replacing existing smartwatches.