At CES 2025, major wearable brands like Samsung, Garmin, Amazfit and Ultrahuman showcased their presence, highlighting innovations and advancements in wearable technology.

The smartwatch announcements at the event revolved around artificial intelligence (AI) integration, software updates, enhancements in display technology, new launches with the addition of health features and GPS tracking, and more. Indian smartwatch giant Noise made its CES debut with the flagship smartwatch series Colorfit Pro 6 and a smart ring called Luna 2.0. CES 2025 featured several smart ring announcements, emphasizing health tracking, regulatory approvals and the introduction of luxury smart rings.

Looking at the full lineup of offerings, there are several key themes and takeaways for the broader sector.

Takeaways for the industry

• Thanks to technological advancements, smartwatch devices are becoming less standalone and more connected, syncing seamlessly with smart home systems, virtual reality platforms, and even vehicles.

• Many of the latest smartwatch models are embedded with GPS functionality, with expected improvements in accuracy, durability and AI integration. Besides, there is a focus on new use cases with gesture control technology, enhancing the overall user experience and expanding the functionality of the device.

• Health-focused wearables are a major trend, with devices offering advanced biometric tracking and early illness detection. Sleep tech is also expanding, with new wearables designed to optimize rest and recovery.

• The integration of advanced AI models like Gemini pushes the boundaries of what smart devices can offer, encouraging further advancements in the industry. AI-powered health tracking can offer more accurate and comprehensive insights into users’ well-being.

• The emphasis on high-quality displays reflects a growing trend in the industry towards better visual experiences and energy efficiency. The adoption of MicroLED technology by Samsung sets a new standard for display quality and energy efficiency in smartwatches.

• The focus on personalized health and sleep tracking will define the industry’s efforts toward developing comprehensive wellness solutions.

• Lastly, Indian brands’ debut at CES will enhance their reputation as a competitive player in the global wearable tech industry. Expanding into international markets can drive significant revenue growth and business development for these brands.

We have covered below some of the major wearable announcements including smartwatches and smart rings at CES 2025.

1. Major smartwatch brands showcase new launches

Garmin introduced Instinct 3 Series

• The lineup includes three rugged smartwatches – Instinct E, Instinct 3 Solar and Instinct 3 AMOLED. The AMOLED and solar models are available in 45 mm and 50 mm sizes. The Instinct E is a low-priced model. The Instinct 3 has two options – AMOLED and Solar.
• The AMOLED version offers up to 24 days of battery life, while the solar version has upgrades to the solar panels of its predecessor.
• The entire series is tested on military standard MIL-STD 810 for thermal and shock resistance while offering 10 ATM water resistance.
• The watches will be available to order from January 10, 2025. The Instinct E, Instinct 3 Solar and Instinct 3 AMOLED will be priced at $299, $399 and $449 respectively.
• Garmin has expanded its lineup of adventure rugged smartwatches with the Instinct 3 series. The introduction of the AMOLED display looks to be an inspiration from its flagship Fenix series which gives consumers the chance to have a rugged AMOLED smartwatch at a comparatively lower price than the flagships. The Instinct 3 Series sets a high standard for durability and functionality, pushing other brands to innovate and improve their offerings.

Source: Garmin

Amazfit Active 2 with BioTracker and 160 workout modes

• Amazfit launched its budget-friendly Active 2 smartwatch from $99.99. A premium sapphire screen version comes at $129.99.
• The circular watch has a bright display that reaches 2000 nits peak brightness. It also features a 1.32” AMOLED screen with 10 days of battery life.
• For health tracking, the watch incorporates Amazfit’s latest BioTracker 6.0 sensor with upgraded heart rate and sleep tracking algorithms. The watch also features a barometer, accelerometer, gyroscope and ambient light sensor.
• The smartwatch supports offline maps with turn-by-turn directions, personalized training for runners by Zepp Coach, Wild.AI app for women’s health tracking, Voice-powered virtual assistant Zepp Flow, and mobile payments via the Zepp Pay app (payment support is limited to Europe).
• The product will start shipping on January 13 in the US and in February worldwide.
• The Amazfit Active 2 provides various premium features like bio-tracking, offline maps, fitness training, virtual assistance and women health tracking at under $100 price. The price, with the features and the option for AMOLED display, is a good deal for consumers.
  

Source: Amazfit

Pinwheel launches AI smartwatch for kids

• Pinwheel Watch is a kids smartwatch integrated with a special version of ChatGPT, PinwheelGPT, specifically designed to offer age-appropriate answers.
• The watch features a camera, a screened app store, and remote location and text message monitoring for parents. Even the interaction between the chatbot and the children can be remotely monitored by the parents.
• The watch supports 4G LTE cellular connectivity with a mobile plan of around $15 per month. The watch is expected to hit the market later this year for $160 (excluding the $15 subscription).
• AI integration in various devices is a key trend these days. However, ensuring chatbots are age-appropriate and enabling remote parental monitoring of children's activities on smartwatches are key features that will drive the adoption of similar technology in future smartwatches.

Source: Pinwheel

2. Enhanced health tracking and luxury smart rings unveiled

Circular’ Ring 2, with FDA clearance for Atrial Fibrillation Detection

• Circular unveiled the Ring 2, with multiple upgrades over its previous Ring slim. The major attraction points for the ring are the FDA clearance for AFib detection and a digital sizing process.
• Digital sizing uses Circular’s companion app and the camera to help with ring sizing, saving the tedious step of using the plastic sizing kit.
• The ring features eight-day battery life per charge, which is a large upgrade from the two-day battery life in the Ring Slim. The environmental resistance rating has also been upgraded from IPX8 to IP68.
• The ring is subscription-free and is offered at a starting price of $380. Shipping is expected to start in February or March this year.
• The Ring 2 is clearly a big upgrade from the previous Ring slim. The digital sizing tool sets a new standard for convenience and accuracy in the smart ring market. It is expected to change other brands’ perspectives and make the industry shift to digital sizing.
  

Source: Circular

Ultrahuman’s luxury smart rings have 18-karat gold and platinum

• Ultrahuman unveiled luxury smart ring series Ultrahuman Rare at CES 2025. The series features models with 18-karat gold and platinum.
• The series includes two gold models and one platinum model. The Dune and Desert Rose are crafted from 18-karat gold sourced from the London Bullion Market Association-approved refineries and hallmarked by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The Desert Snow is made from pt950 Platinum.
• The specifications are the same as Ultrahuman’s $350 Ring Air. The users can track sleep, heart rate, skin temperature and stress levels.
• The Dune and Desert Rose are priced at $1,900 each and the Desert Snow is priced at $2,200.
• The smart rings will exclusively debut in high-end stores like Selfridges in London and Printemps in Paris. Ultrahuman plans to expand the availability to New York, Milan, Dubai and India in the future.
• Smart rings have been on the rise, and it was expected that companies would look for luxury replacements for regular rings. With the introduction of the Rare series, Ultrahuman has become the first brand to combine technology and luxury in the rings. With this, many other leading brands like Oura may also bring in their luxury smart rings in the future.
  

Source: Ultrahuman

VIV Ring world’s first smart ring with Generative Sleep aid sound

• Viv Health announced the launch of VIV Ring at CES 2025, with the world’s first Generative Sleep aid sound.
• The ring measures and analyzes biometrics such as heart rate, stress level and sleep cycle patterns using AI and generates personalized sleep audio to enhance sleep quality. Actual natural sound recordings of ocean waves, rainfall, birdsongs and deep-sea acoustic combined with monaural and binaural sounds are used as the aid.
• The iOS app is available, while the Android app is scheduled for release in February 2025. The VIV Ring is expected to start sales in February 2025.
• With the sleep aid introduction, the VIV Ring has tapped into a health tech feature that is new in the industry. Sleep tracking was already being done in the wearables industry, but the introduction of aids to enhance sleep quality is going to increase the consumers’ attention towards the ring. The intuitive app design and seamless integration with Apple Health might enhance the overall user experience.
  

Source: VIVRing

3. India wearable giant makes global debut

Noise’s Debut at CES 2025

• India’s smartwatch market leader Noise made its debut at CES with its premium lineup, including the Luna Ring Gen 2.0 and ColorFit Pro 6 series.
• Backed by Bose, Noise is looking forward to becoming the first Indian smart wearable brand to showcase “Made in India” products on the global platform to attract global audiences and expand its global presence.
• AI-powered Luna Ring Gen 2.0 is crafted from fighter jet-grade titanium. AI offers workout and nutritional advice based on the biomarkers monitored, including sleep, stress, blood oxygen and women's health.
• Noise also introduced the ColorFit Pro 6 series, incorporating an AI companion to track health data, provide insights and make a fitness plan. Watch faces can be designed by AI.
• The Colorfit Pro 6 Max is available for pre-booking, while the Luna Ring 2.0’s pre-booking will start on January 9. The debut at CES 2025 highlights Noise's strategy to expand into other regions globally. Its budget-friendly wearable product portfolio is expected to attract the global market and support growth beyond India.

Source: Noise

4. Latest software and technology updates in wearables

Doublepoint’s Wow Mouse app for Apple Watch in collaboration with Bosch Sensortec

• Finnish startup Doublepoint in collaboration with Bosch Sensortec released the WowMouse app for Apple Watch at CES 2025. Doublepoint introduced the app for Android devices at CES 2024.
• The app will support connectivity between Apple Watches and Mac devices. Doublepoint plans to expand the connectivity to any Bluetooth-enabled device in the near future.
• The collaboration with Bosch enhances the low-latency gesture control with minimal power consumption.
• With the inclusion of Apple devices in the app, Doublepoint is looking to expand its user base.
  

Source: CES 2025

Samsung smartwatch’s MicroLED display

• Samsung showcased a new MicroLED screen with a peak brightness of up to 4000 nits, designed for smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The brightness is 33% more than the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s OLED screen.
• The MicroLED has a 2.1” screen with a resolution of 418 x 540 pixels and a pixel density of 326ppi.
• MicroLED screens are more durable, have faster response, have higher energy efficiency and can operate over a wider temperature range compared to the OLED screen.
• At present, MicroLED screens are not used in any smartwatch model. This showcases Samsung’s efforts to be the maker of the first smartwatch with a MicroLED display. MicroLED technology is more energy-efficient than traditional OLED or AMOLED displays, leading to longer battery life for users.
  

Source: SAMMOBILE

Gemini AI to be Introduced in Android and Pixel smartwatches

• Google is likely to replace Google Assistant with Gemini AI in the Android and Pixel smartwatches. The plan will be implemented through an AI upgrade for the Wear OS in March 2025.
• At CES 2025, Google revealed that users will be able to directly talk to the upcoming Google TVs using the remote via Gemini-powered voice assistant.
• With the introduction of Gemini AI in Google devices, Google is looking forward to making all Google devices shift from Google Assistant to Gemini, which will help it to stay ahead in the AI race. Gemini AI provides a more intuitive and conversational interface, making interactions with smartwatches smoother and more natural. AI's ability to understand and respond to complex commands enhances the overall convenience and usability of these devices.
  

Source: Google

Movano unveils EvieAI chatbot, trained on medical journals

• Movano developed a new chatbot, EvieAI, to provide users with trusted health guidance. To make the health suggestions better than the other chatbots, the chatbot is trained on more than 100,000 medical journals written by medical professionals. It includes FDA-approved journals, practices and procedures and the data is further cross-referenced with organizations like the Mayo Clinic, Harvard and UCLA. The LLM is updated monthly with new approved documents such as medical journals and articles detailing breakthroughs.
• Rather than directly giving the treatment advice, the chatbot asks questions to seek clarifications and then guides the user in the right direction.
• For privacy, EvieAI will follow the industry encryption standards for storage and transmission. Conversation data won’t be used for targeted ads and will be periodically deleted.
• A beta version has been rolled out for the existing Evie users with the Evie app at no extra cost.
• EvieAI is a unique blend of AI and health. Rather than just getting the data from general research, using medical journals increases the reliability of the chatbot’s information, making it a unique first-in-class device for users.
  

Source: Movano

Conclusion

CES 2025 brought a lot of new innovations and technologies to the wearable industry, including ChatGPT integrations, Doublepoint’s Wow Mouse app for Apple Watch to control Macs, Samsung’s first MicroLED smartwatch prototype, and a luxury gold and platinum watch series from Ultrahuman Rare to name a few. All this shows the integration of smart features and gives a glimpse of tech innovations to come. The wearable industry holds great potential to grow in the coming period owing to an increased focus on innovation, health and integration of AI. Based on these trends, we expect the wearable market to grow at a CAGR of 3% from 2025 to 2028.