News

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.

Published

2 years ago

November 7, 2024

Nour Nasir

galaxy ring 2 may launch early as apple prepares competing device

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

Syria Just Got Its First Super App Featuring Built-In Digital Payments

Built by UAE-based Syrian founders with the Ministry of Tourism’s backing, My Syria lands as visitor numbers more than double.

Published

5 days ago

August 1, 2026

Nour Nasir

syria just got its first super app featuring built-in digital payments

For most of the past decade, paying for anything in Syria with an international card was effectively impossible. Sanctions, a collapsed banking sector, and years of isolation left the country running on cash. That is what makes the launch of My Syria — the country’s first super app — more than a routine product announcement.

Developed by 121 Living, a company founded by four UAE-based Syrian entrepreneurs — Rami Kaiem, Feras Kaiem, Waseem Qudmani, and Kinan Madi — the app launched in Damascus on July 30 under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani. It bundles hotels, restaurants, transport, attractions, food delivery, and other lifestyle services into a single platform, currently offering eight services with plans to expand to more than 40 verified tourism and hospitality providers across the country.

Although the app already sounds enticing, the headline feature is its built-in payments. My Syria is the first platform in Syria to support cross-border digital payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express — familiar tools for international visitors, and a route into the digital economy for local businesses that have long operated outside it.

my syria super app launch event

The launch rides on a sharp rebound for the troubled country. Syria’s tourism sector recorded 3.52 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, a 111 percent increase over the 1.67 million during the same period in 2025 — a mix of returning expatriates, regional visitors, and international tourists.

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The Ministry of Tourism, which supported and supervised the app’s development, frames the launch as proof of concept for a wider strategy. “Digital transformation is one of the Ministry’s strategic priorities because it enables us to build a more competitive, connected and investment-ready tourism sector,” Al-Salhani said, inviting technology companies “globally, regionally and locally” to explore opportunities across the wider economy.

For 121 Living, this is phase one, with additional services and expanded geographic coverage planned. Whether a super app can flourish in a market still rebuilding its infrastructure is an open question, but for the first time in years, a visitor to Damascus can pay for dinner with their phone.