There have been a number of Apple product code leaks that revealed crucial information surrounding the company’s launch plans, such as development work being done on the M4 Ultra or a 5G-powered MacBook Pro. Now, the latest one revolves around future Apple Watch models, and the possibility that these wearables could finally adopt Touch ID. Even now, the technology giant employs this security feature in some products, so the only reason we could think of why the company did not add it is probably due to the size limitations of its products.
Various patents previously filed talk about Touch ID implementation on an Apple Watch, but no product has materialized so far
Some specific entries in leaked code spotted by Macworld conclude that some form of biometric authentication could arrive to future Apple Watch models. The code refers to 2026 models, mentioning the term ‘AppleMesa,’ which has been the firm’s internal codename for Touch ID. The report states that this code is for internal use only, hinting that the Apple Watch supporting the feature could be in the prototyping phase, but nothing is confirmed at this time.
So far, none of the Apple Watch models launching later this year, or those arriving in 2026, have been reported to ship with Touch ID. Also, given the size of these smartwatches, we can understand why this hardware is not present. To recap, Apple introduced this biometric addition when it announced the iPhone 5s, with the sensor embedded within the physical home button. For the latest iPad Air lineup, Touch ID is incorporated on the side power button, which is an approach that could be adopted for future Apple Watch models.
In-display optical sensors have been around for a while and are featured in Android smartphones, but the California-based titan has never gotten around to adding this feature in any of its devices, probably because the more premium products rely on the significantly improved and convenient Face ID. Keep in mind that just because Touch ID on an Apple Watch was referenced in a code, it does not mean the company will proceed with adding it, and if there are development problems, or if the feature does not work as intended, Apple could scrap it entirely.
News Source: Macworld
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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