Apple Ring · Software

Part of A gesture could control nearby Apple devices

The ring could control any smart home device, not just Apple gear

Apple's ring patent does not stop at Apple hardware. It reaches for the thermostat.

2 min readFirst reported Jul 28, 2026Updated Sep 22, 2026

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What to know

What to know

An Apple ring could control speakers, thermostats and other smart home devices, according to an Apple patent filing that AppleInsider reported on in July 2026.

The patent is written to cover whole types of devices, not one named product. It also has the ring work out which device you mean from where you are looking or which way you point.

A patent protects an idea and does not mean Apple will build it. Apple has not announced a ring.

How we know this

How we know this

What changed, newest first.

Jul 28, 2026AppleInsiderSpeakers and thermostats are both named in the patent filing
Reported

Frequently asked

Frequently asked

Would an Apple ring only control Apple devices?
The patent describes gestures operating speakers and thermostats, which are categories dominated by third-party hardware. Apple has not announced a ring or any control scheme for one.
Why does third-party control matter?
A ring limited to Apple hardware is an accessory. One that operates whatever is already in the room is a remote control for the house, which is a much larger product.