CES 2025 has officially kicked off in Las Vegas, and as excitement fills the event halls, one product is drawing attention for its extravagant price point: the Rare smart ring by Ultrahuman. Promising a blend of luxury and technology, this smart ring comes with a price tag that significantly eclipses its competitors—ranging from $1,900 to $2,200, depending on the model. The buzz around this high-end wearable raises an important question: does its premium price reflect valuable features, or is it just a clever marketing ploy?
The Rare collection, revealed through hypnotic teaser videos, showcases three distinct color options inspired by nature—desert rose, dune, and desert snow. While they may sound poetic, these names translate to rose gold, gold, and silver for the average consumer. The materials used are equally high-end, with the desert rose and dune rings crafted from 18-karat gold sourced from the London Bullion Market Association, while the desert snow ring is made from pt950 platinum, a metal noted for its exceptional purity and prestige.
However, what is particularly fascinating is that this luxury ring doesn’t diverge from the specifications of Ultrahuman’s existing Ring Air, which is already respected for its performance at a much more reasonable price of $350. The latest offering appears visually indistinguishable from its predecessor—a detail that raises eyebrows and questions about value.
The justification for such a price hike is tied to the themes of artisanal craftsmanship and advanced engineering, as Ultrahuman mentions that buyers will also receive a lifetime membership to UltrahumanX, including various features that can enhance the user experience, from health tracking functionalities to smart alerts. Yet, the looming question is whether such features are truly worth the hefty investment.
Intriguingly, Ultrahuman’s marketing narrative positions these rings as an evolution of jewelry into the smart technology era, with an emphasis on exclusivity and intentionality in consumer choices. The FAQ section notes that the rings’ appeal lies in their users’ desire for luxury smart jewelry—an idea that partly explains the astronomical prices attached to the Rare series.
Many are left contemplating the parallels between Rare and other high-profile luxury tech products. It brings to mind the Apple Watch Edition saga, which similarly attempted to marry premium materials with smart technology, yet succumbed to skepticism regarding its value for everyday consumers.
As CES 2025 unfolds, the consensus among tech enthusiasts and health tech aficionados seems to be a mixture of curiosity and apprehension regarding this luxurious addition to the smart wearables market. With Ultrahuman solely launching the Rare smart rings in select premium locations in London and Paris, the excitement is building around the potential in-person experience. Will holding the ring and feeling its weight justify its price in buyers’ minds? Only time will tell if this venture takes off or disappears like a mirage in the desert sun. The anticipation is palpable, and many are eager to discover if Ultrahuman can deliver on its lofty promises in the increasingly competitive wearable tech landscape.