Future wearable devices are expected to shift from bulky bands to discreet jewelry, such as rings and necklaces, as battery technology improves [1].
This transition matters because current lithium-ion batteries are too large for truly discreet wearables. Advances in solid-state battery chemistry promise higher energy density and smaller form factors, which unlocks new design possibilities for the industry [1, 3].
Samsung is already positioning itself for this shift. An unnamed Samsung executive said, "The Galaxy Ring will definitely be part of our future portfolio of wearables" [2]. While the device was not featured in every showcase, reports indicated the Galaxy Ring was expected to launch in 2026 [2]. To support its hardware ecosystem, Samsung also plans to provide software updates for its new Galaxy watches for five years [4].
The technical hurdle remains the power source. A Gizmodo author said that a tiny piece of tech worn like jewelry is a recurring dream, but the battery is the only thing holding that back [1].
Enovix is working to solve this limitation. Dr. Jason Liu, CEO of Enovix, said, "Solid-state cells with energy densities above 500 Wh/kg will let us shrink wearables down to the size of a ring or a pendant" [3]. The company targeted the mass production of these solid-state cells by 2026 [3].
Despite the push toward fashion, some industry perspectives differ. While some analysts envision a future of jewelry-like aesthetics, other reports emphasize that new wearables will primarily function as health-monitoring devices, rather than fashion accessories [2].
“"The Galaxy Ring will definitely be part of our future portfolio of wearables."”
The shift toward solid-state batteries represents a move away from the 'wrist-worn' era of wearables. By increasing energy density to 500 Wh/kg, manufacturers can decouple functionality from size, allowing health and notification tech to disappear into everyday accessories. This creates a convergence between the luxury jewelry market and the consumer electronics sector.
