By myringsizecalculator.com · Updated January 2026 · 10 min read
The Oura Ring Gen 4 was officially released on October 15, 2024 — the biggest hardware upgrade since Gen 3 in 2021.
| ⚡ Quick Answer: When Was the Oura Ring 4 Released? The Oura Ring 4 (Gen 4) was officially released on October 15, 2024. It was announced one week earlier on October 8, 2024. It replaced the Oura Ring Gen 3, which had launched in November 2021 — making the Gen 4 three years in development. The Gen 4 launched globally and was immediately available to purchase at ouraring.com for $299–$349 depending on colour finish. |
1. Oura Ring 4 Official Release Date
| 📅 Official Release Date: October 15, 2024 The Oura Ring Gen 4 was released to the public on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. This is the date when orders shipped and the product became available for purchase on the official Oura website and through authorised retail partners. The release was simultaneous across all major markets including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, and Australia. |
The October 15, 2024 release date marked the beginning of the fourth generation of Oura’s smart ring product line. The ring was available for immediate purchase on launch day — unlike some technology product launches that have waiting lists or staged rollouts. Oura offered the full range of colours and sizes from day one.
Shipping timelines at launch varied by region: customers in the United States received orders within 3–5 business days. International customers experienced slightly longer delivery windows of 5–10 business days depending on destination country and chosen express or standard shipping option.
More context: Oura Ring Gen 4 Complete Review | Oura Ring Generations Hub | Wikipedia: Oura Health
2. When Was the Oura Ring 4 Announced?
The Oura Ring Gen 4 was officially announced on October 8, 2024 — exactly one week before its release date. Oura made the announcement through a press release distributed to major technology media outlets, a simultaneous update to its official website, and an email campaign to existing Oura members.
The announcement revealed the complete product details upfront, including pricing, colour options, size range, and the full technical specification of the new Smart Sensing 2.0 sensor system. This was an unusually transparent product launch for the wearable technology industry, where many companies build anticipation over months with staged leaks and reveal events.
Pre-Launch Rumours & Leaks
In the months leading up to the October 2024 announcement, the Oura Ring Gen 4 was discussed extensively in the r/ouraring community on Reddit, with users speculating based on FCC filing disclosures, Oura job postings referencing new sensor technology, and comments from Oura’s CEO Tom Hale in technology media interviews suggesting a significant hardware update was in development.
A key pre-announcement signal came when Oura filed a new product with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) in August 2024 — a regulatory requirement for any wireless-capable device sold in the United States. FCC filings are public records, and tech observers identified the submission as a new Oura ring several weeks before the official announcement.
Community discussion: r/ouraring — Gen 4 Launch Discussion Thread | Wired: Oura Ring 4 Launch Coverage
3. Complete Oura Ring Generation History
Complete Oura Ring generation timeline — from the original 2015 Gen 1 to the current Gen 4 and the expected Gen 5.
To fully understand the Gen 4 release, it helps to see where it sits in Oura’s complete product history. The company has released four generations of rings across nearly a decade of development.
| Generation | Release Date | Key Innovation | Price at Launch | Status |
| Gen 1 | 2015 | World’s first smart ring with sleep tracking | $299 | Discontinued |
| Gen 2 | 2018 | Thinner design, improved accuracy, HRV debut | $299 | Discontinued |
| Gen 3 | November 2021 | Horizon design, SpO2, subscription model | $299–$399 | Available* |
| Gen 4 | October 15, 2024 | Smart Sensing 2.0, 18 pathways, Cardio Age | $299–$349 | Current |
| Gen 5 | ~Late 2025–2026 | Unannounced — expected improvements | TBD | Anticipated |
* The Gen 3 remained available at some authorised retailers after the Gen 4 launch at reduced pricing, though Oura discontinued direct sales of the Gen 3 from its official website following the Gen 4 release.
Full history: Oura Ring Generations Hub — All Models Compared | Oura Ring Gen 3 vs Gen 4 vs Galaxy Ring Comparison
4. What Was Available at Gen 4 Launch?
Oura Ring Gen 4 launch essentials — date, price, colours, sizes, and headline features available on day one.
On October 15, 2024, the complete Gen 4 product lineup was available from day one. There were no staged rollouts, waitlists, or limited-release colours at launch.
Colours Available at Launch
| Colour Finish | Design Available | Price | Notes |
| Silver | Heritage + Horizon | $299 | Natural titanium polish — most popular launch colour |
| Black | Heritage + Horizon | $299 | DLC titanium coating — matte finish |
| Gold | Heritage + Horizon | $349 | PVD gold over titanium |
| Stealth | Heritage only | $349 | Matte DLC — dark non-reflective finish |
| Rose Gold | Horizon only | $349 | PVD rose gold — most requested from Gen 3 era |
Note: Brushed Titanium was introduced as a limited-edition finish post-launch in late 2024 and early 2025, and is not part of the standard at-launch lineup.
Sizes Available at Launch
All eight standard sizes — 6 through 13 in US ring sizing — were available from launch day. The free sizing kit service was also operational on day one, allowing new customers to request sizing rings before committing to a purchase.
Sizing guide: Oura Ring Sizing Hub — Find Your Perfect Fit | Best Oura Ring — Which Style & Colour to Choose
5. Gen 4 vs. Gen 3: What Changed at Launch?
The Gen 4 was not a minor iterative update. It represented a complete sensor hardware redesign and introduced two brand-new health metrics. Here is what changed on day one of the Gen 4 launch compared to the outgoing Gen 3.
| Feature | Gen 3 at Its Launch | Gen 4 at Launch (Oct 2024) |
| Sensor system | 6-pathway PPG, 4 LEDs | 18-pathway Smart Sensing 2.0, 10 LEDs |
| Skin tone accuracy | Known limitations | Validated across all Fitzpatrick types |
| Cardiovascular Age | Not available | Available — Gen 4 exclusive |
| VO2 Max estimate | Not available | Available — Gen 4 exclusive |
| SpO2 accuracy | Green LED estimate | Red + infrared multi-angle |
| Charging dock | USB-A magnetic dock | USB-C magnetic dock |
| Battery life (rated) | 4–7 days | Up to 8 days |
| Starting price | $299 | $299 — same entry price |
| Maximum price (standard) | $399 | $349 — reduced premium pricing |
| Rose Gold | Not available at Gen 3 launch | Available from Gen 4 day one |
Full comparison: Oura Ring Features & What’s New in Gen 4 | How Does the Oura Ring 4 Work?
6. Oura Ring 4 Global Availability
The Oura Ring Gen 4 launched simultaneously in its primary markets on October 15, 2024. This was a change from the Gen 3 launch strategy, where some international markets received the ring weeks after the US launch.
| Region | Launch Availability | Purchase Channel | Membership Service |
| United States | October 15, 2024 | ouraring.com + retailers | Full service available |
| United Kingdom | October 15, 2024 | ouraring.com | Full service available |
| European Union | October 15, 2024 | ouraring.com | Full service available |
| Canada | October 15, 2024 | ouraring.com | Full service available |
| Australia | October 15, 2024 | ouraring.com | Full service available |
| Japan | October 15, 2024 | ouraring.com | Full service available |
| Other markets | Staggered 2024–2025 | ouraring.com (shipping) | Service where available |
Oura ships internationally to over 50 countries. In markets without direct Oura retail presence, the ring is available via online order through the official website with international shipping. The membership service (app features and data sync) is available in all countries where Oura ships hardware.
Buying info: Oura Ring Buying Guide — Where to Buy & How to Order
7. Why Did It Take 3 Years from Gen 3 to Gen 4?
The gap between the Gen 3 (November 2021) and Gen 4 (October 2024) — approximately three years — is notable. In the consumer wearable market, major brands typically release new hardware annually or biannually. Understanding why Oura took three years provides useful context for evaluating the Gen 4 and anticipating Gen 5 timing.
Reason 1: The Skin Tone Accuracy Problem
Following the Gen 3 launch, Oura faced sustained criticism about the accuracy of its PPG sensors on darker skin tones. Independent researchers and journalists published analyses showing the Gen 3’s 6-pathway green LED system produced systematically worse readings for users with Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI. Addressing this required a fundamental redesign of the sensor array — adding red and infrared LEDs, multiplying the signal pathways from 6 to 18, and recalibrating the entire algorithm pipeline. This is not a software fix; it required new hardware components, new optical configurations, and new manufacturing tolerances.
Reason 2: Smart Sensing 2.0 Development Complexity
The 18-pathway Smart Sensing 2.0 system is genuinely novel hardware. Moving from 4 to 10 LEDs in a ring that is 2.88 mm thick, waterproof to 100 metres, and running 8 days on battery required significant engineering investment in miniaturisation, thermal management, and power efficiency. The development cycle for this level of hardware change typically takes 24–36 months from concept to manufacturing readiness.
Reason 3: Software Ecosystem Maturation
During the Gen 3 era (2021–2024), Oura significantly expanded the software capabilities of its platform — adding Stress & Resilience (2023), Daytime HRV, Pregnancy Mode (2022), and the Dexcom CGM integration. The subscription model that launched with Gen 3 provided the recurring revenue to fund this software development. By the time Gen 4 launched, the app ecosystem was substantially more mature than it had been at Gen 3 launch, meaning Gen 4 buyers benefited from both new hardware and three years of software refinement from day one.
Reason 4: Competitive Landscape Shift
The smart ring market expanded dramatically between 2021 and 2024. Samsung entered with the Galaxy Ring in mid-2024. Ultrahuman, RingConn, and other competitors gained market share. Apple Watch Series 9 and 10 added health features that competed with Oura’s core use case. Oura needed to deliver a compelling hardware upgrade to defend its position as the premium smart ring leader — and the Gen 4’s timing, landing just months after Samsung’s Galaxy Ring launch, was clearly strategic.
See also: Oura Ring vs Competitors — Full Comparison Hub | BBC: How Smart Rings Are Changing Health Tracking
8. What Happened to the Gen 3 After Gen 4 Launched?
When the Oura Ring Gen 4 launched in October 2024, the Gen 3 was not immediately discontinued everywhere. Oura handled the product transition as follows:
- Oura official website: Gen 3 was removed from the primary product page on launch day. The Gen 4 became the only ring sold directly by Oura.
- Authorised retailers: Physical and online retailers with existing Gen 3 stock continued selling it at discounted prices, typically $50–$100 below original retail.
- Existing Gen 3 owners: All existing Gen 3 hardware continued to function normally. The Oura app continued to support Gen 3 with feature updates where technically possible (excluding hardware-dependent features like Cardiovascular Age and VO2 Max).
- Membership continuation: Gen 3 owners with active memberships kept their subscription and all previously unlocked features. No forced migration to Gen 4 hardware was required.
- Warranty support: Oura continued to provide warranty and repair support for Gen 3 units within their original 1-year warranty window.
The practical takeaway: if you own a Gen 3 in working condition, there is no pressure to upgrade. The ring continues to work as designed. The decision to upgrade to Gen 4 depends on whether the specific new features — improved skin tone accuracy, Cardiovascular Age, VO2 Max, and USB-C charging — are meaningful to you.
Upgrade guidance: Oura Ring Gen 3 vs Gen 4 vs Galaxy Ring — Should You Upgrade?
9. When Is the Oura Ring 5 Coming Out?
As of early 2026, Oura has made no official announcement regarding the Oura Ring Gen 5. However, based on the pattern established by previous generation releases, technology analysts and the Oura community have developed reasonable estimates.
Estimated Gen 5 Release Window
| Signal | Evidence | Implication |
| Gen 3 to Gen 4 gap | November 2021 to October 2024 = ~3 years | Gen 5 possible late 2025 to mid-2026 |
| FCC filing activity | No Gen 5 FCC filing detected as of early 2026 | Release likely 6+ months away |
| CEO comments | Tom Hale referenced ‘next chapter’ in 2025 interviews | Suggests development is ongoing |
| Competitive pressure | Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 expected, Apple rumours ongoing | Would accelerate Oura’s timeline |
| Software expansion | Dexcom, CGM, Cardiovascular Age — maturing platform | Hardware upgrade cycle precedent |
What Might Gen 5 Include?
Based on community speculation, technology analyst reports, and Oura’s documented development priorities, the most credible Gen 5 rumoured improvements include:
- Thinner and lighter design: the Gen 4’s 2.88 mm thickness leaves room for further miniaturisation.
- Enhanced SpO2 accuracy: expanding the multi-angle LED approach with even more signal pathways.
- Cuffless blood pressure: the most requested missing feature — technically challenging but feasible.
- Improved workout HR tracking: addressing the Gen 4’s acknowledged weakness for active heart rate monitoring.
- Longer battery life: advances in low-power sensor technology could push beyond 8 days.
Full speculation: Oura Ring Gen 5 — Everything We Know
| ▶ Video: Oura Ring 4 Launch Event & First Look (YouTube) Watch coverage of the Oura Ring Gen 4 launch announcement and early hands-on reviews from the day of release.Recommended YouTube searches: ‘Oura Ring 4 launch October 2024’ · ‘Oura Ring Gen 4 announcement’ · ‘Oura Ring 4 release date review’Recommended channels: DC Rainmaker · The Quantified Scientist · Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) |
10. Oura Ring 4: Key Dates Timeline at a Glance
For researchers, journalists, and anyone who needs a precise chronological reference, here is every key date in the Oura Ring Gen 4 story.
| Date | Event | Significance |
| 2013 | Oura Health founded in Oulu, Finland | Company origin |
| 2015 | Oura Ring Gen 1 ships to Kickstarter backers | World’s first smart ring |
| 2018 | Oura Ring Gen 2 released | Thinner design, HRV debut |
| November 2021 | Oura Ring Gen 3 released globally | Horizon design, SpO2, subscription model |
| 2022–2023 | Oura faces criticism over Gen 3 skin tone bias | Catalyst for Gen 4 sensor redesign |
| 2022 | Pregnancy Mode added to Oura app | Key women’s health expansion |
| 2023 | Stress & Resilience feature launched | Daytime HRV monitoring arrives |
| August 2024 | New Oura FCC filing detected by tech observers | First confirmed signal of new hardware |
| October 8, 2024 | Oura Ring Gen 4 officially announced | Full specs and pricing revealed |
| October 15, 2024 | Oura Ring Gen 4 released globally | Official release date — ships to customers |
| October–Nov 2024 | First independent reviews published | DC Rainmaker, The Verge, Wired coverage |
| Late 2024 | Brushed Titanium finish introduced | New limited-edition colour post-launch |
| 2025 | Dexcom CGM integration expanded | Metabolic health data now in Oura app |
| Late 2025–2026 | Oura Ring Gen 5 anticipated | No official announcement as of early 2026 |
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the exact release date of the Oura Ring 4?
A: The Oura Ring Gen 4 was officially released on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. This is when orders began shipping and the product was available to purchase from ouraring.com and authorised retail partners.
Q: Was the Oura Ring 4 released in 2024 or 2025?
A: The Oura Ring 4 was released in 2024 — specifically on October 15, 2024. If you have seen references to 2025, these typically refer to the year in which reviewers or buyers first received and used the ring, which can be 2024 or 2025 depending on when they ordered.
Q: How long after announcement did the Oura Ring 4 ship?
A: The Oura Ring Gen 4 shipped exactly 7 days after its official announcement. It was announced on October 8, 2024 and began shipping on October 15, 2024. This is unusually fast — most wearable products have a gap of weeks to months between announcement and availability.
Q: Is the Oura Ring 4 available now?
A: Yes. The Oura Ring Gen 4 is the current flagship model and is in stock at ouraring.com in all standard colours and sizes 6–13. As of early 2026 it remains the most current production model, with Gen 5 not yet announced. Check ouraring.com for current pricing and availability in your region.
Q: When did the Oura Ring 3 come out?
A: The Oura Ring Gen 3 was released in November 2021. It was available in the Heritage design initially, with the Horizon design joining the lineup shortly after. The Gen 3 was superseded by the Gen 4 in October 2024.
Q: When was the original Oura Ring released?
A: The first Oura Ring (Generation 1) was released in 2015 following a successful Kickstarter campaign. It was the world’s first consumer smart ring with sleep tracking capabilities. The Gen 1 is now discontinued and was replaced by the Gen 2 in 2018.
Q: Should I wait for the Oura Ring 5 before buying?
A: As of early 2026, the Gen 5 has not been announced. If you need a smart ring now, the Gen 4 is the current best option and will not become obsolete when Gen 5 arrives — existing hardware continues to receive software updates. If you are not in a hurry, it is reasonable to wait 6–12 months to see if Gen 5 is announced. See our full analysis: Oura Ring Gen 5 — What We Know & Whether to Wait
Q: What changed between the Oura Ring 4 announcement and launch?
A: Nothing significant changed between the October 8 announcement and October 15 launch. Oura revealed the full product in one go on announcement day — including all pricing, colours, specs, and features. There were no last-minute changes, removed features, or pricing adjustments between announcement and launch.
Complete Oura Ring Resource Centre
On this site: Oura Ring Hub | Oura Ring Gen 4 Review | Oura Ring Features & Specs | Oura Ring Generations Hub | Oura Ring Gen 5 — What We Know | Oura Ring Buying Guide | Oura Ring Benefits
Authority sources: Wikipedia: Oura Health | The Verge: Oura Ring 4 Launch Coverage | Wired: Oura Ring 4 Review | r/ouraring — Community Discussion | BBC: Smart Rings & Health Technology | Oura Official Website
| 💰 Price Disclaimer Prices mentioned in this article are approximate averages based on publicly available information at the time of writing. Actual prices may vary depending on the retailer, region, and available promotions. Pricing fluctuates with market demand, seasonal trends, and brand updates. Always check the official Oura website or your preferred retailer for the most current pricing before making a purchase decision. |