Oura Health, the company behind the high-priced Oura Ring, is facing mounting scrutiny as it struggles to compete with dominant smartwatch players and address growing concerns over product longevity.

The wearable, which can retails for as much as $799, has been criticised by users for being difficult—if not impossible—to repair, particularly when battery performance begins to decline. Now, the company has filed a new patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office aimed at tackling one of its most persistent issues: battery life.

Despite presenting itself as a Finnish-founded company established in 2013, Oura is headquartered in Delaware, USA. The privately held firm is now led by CEO Tom Hale, following the exit of its original founders Petteri Lahtela, Kari Kivelä and Markku Koskela.

The company is battling increasing competition from major technology brands, including Apple and Samsung, as well as newer entrants like Samsung’s Smart Ring.

At the centre of Oura’s latest move is a proposed redesign that would fundamentally change how its rings are built. Instead of a sealed, single-unit device, the patent outlines a two-part structure, allowing the battery component to be detached and replaced.

The shift raises questions about why replaceable batteries were not incorporated earlier, given that lithium-ion degradation is a well-known limitation in compact electronics. Currently, Oura claims its newer rings last between five and eight days on a single charge. However, users report that performance can drop to as little as two to three days within a year, with some devices requiring daily charging.

While the company attributes declining performance to normal battery ageing, users have also reported sudden and abnormal battery drain—suggesting potential software or firmware issues.

Under the existing design, once battery capacity deteriorates, the entire device effectively becomes unusable—turning an expensive wearable into what critics describe as “disposable tech.”

Oura Ring 4.

The newly proposed design would use small magnets to secure a removable battery module, with metal contact points supplying power to the rest of the ring. If implemented, it could significantly extend product lifespan and address long-standing consumer complaints.

However, there is no indication the design will be introduced in the near future. Early leaks surrounding a next-generation Oura Ring do not suggest the feature is imminent, leaving current users facing an uncertain timeline—and potentially a costly replacement cycle.

As competition intensifies and consumer expectations shift toward repairability and sustainability, Oura’s next moves may prove critical to its survival in the rapidly evolving wearables market.