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Galaxy Ring 2 May Launch Early As Apple Prepares Competing Device
The new wearable will likely sport a fresh design and battery improvements, while Apple is said to be exploring rival smart rings, bands, and glasses.
Recent reports from the Korean platform Naver hint that Samsung’s Galaxy Ring 2 could debut “slightly ahead” of its expected release timeline. However, no specific dates have been confirmed as yet.
A January launch (coinciding with the Galaxy S25 Ultra) seems unlikely, while a summer release wouldn’t be much of a deviation from the original Galaxy Ring’s timing. This leaves a speculative window between the two dates, though it would be unusual for Samsung to schedule a standalone event solely for the Galaxy Ring.
With only limited information available, it remains unclear if Samsung will opt for a surprise unveiling in January or stay close to the anticipated July launch. Should the rumors of an early release prove accurate, a January debut alongside the Galaxy S25 lineup is within the realm of possibility.
In addition to the timing of the upcoming release, reports also point to notable upgrades for the Galaxy Ring 2. A sleeker design and improved battery life are likely, while there are also mentions of new features, although specific details have not been disclosed.
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Alongside the Galaxy Ring 2 news, rumors are circulating about Apple’s plans for wearable technology. Sources indicate that Apple is working on a ring-style device and exploring additional options, such as band-style wearables and smart glasses.
Although the concept of an Apple smart ring is not entirely new — Apple has previously filed patents for ring and glasses technology — the nature of the potential “band-type” device remains ambiguous. This could be an entirely new wearable format, or potentially similar to devices like the Whoop band.
News
Checkout.com Set To Launch Card Issuing In The UAE
The payment service provider’s expansion is a first-of-its-kind investment and could reshape digital transactions across the region.
Checkout.com is laying the groundwork to become the first global payments platform to introduce card issuing in the United Arab Emirates — a move that could reshape how businesses in the region manage financial transactions.
The company plans to roll out its domestic card issuance offering in the UAE by 2026, subject to regulatory approval. The launch would give businesses the tools to issue both physical and virtual branded cards. This, in turn, opens up new ways to reward customers, streamline expense processes, and handle B2B payouts efficiently.
Checkout.com’s CEO and Founder, Guillaume Pousaz, revealed the plans during Thrive Abu Dhabi, the firm’s debut conference in the Emirates. Joined on stage by Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo, General Manager for MENA, Pousaz presented to an audience of over 150 partners and merchants at Saadiyat Island. Also in attendance was H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.
Abbondandolo highlighted the strategic importance of the announcement: “As a global business, we focus on bringing products to markets that our customers want and need. Today’s announcement is proof of our commitment to the MENA region and its rising influence in the digital economy. The appetite for innovation here is real, and we’re proud to be building the infrastructure that powers it”.
One early adopter of Checkout.com’s UAE acquiring services is Headout, a travel experiences marketplace, which recently named the payment provider as its main partner in Europe. The company has already begun card issuing there and is keen to expand that offering into MENA once approval is granted.
The expansion of services in the UAE and beyond builds on Checkout.com’s track record in the region. It was the first global payments firm to secure a Retail Payment Services license from the UAE’s Central Bank and was instrumental in rolling out Mada and Apple Pay in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
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The firm has also been rolling out new products: One of the latest is Flow Remember Me, currently in beta testing. It allows shoppers to store their card information once and access it across Checkout.com’s entire network, potentially cutting checkout times by up to 70%.
Earlier this year, Checkout.com also introduced Visa Direct’s Push-to-Card solution in the UAE, enabling both domestic and international payouts. Its collaboration with Mastercard has grown as well, making it easier for businesses to send funds directly to third-party cards securely and quickly.
With regional tech ambitions on the rise — spurred by initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s 2031 Agenda — Checkout.com sees its role as one of a key enabler. “Our mission is to help ambitious businesses navigate the complexity of payments, so they can move faster, go further, and make the most of every opportunity,” said Abbondandolo. “In MENA, performance is personal. It’s local. It’s built on trust. And when payments perform, businesses thrive”.
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