iPhone-Like Touch ID On Apple Watch? You May Find It Starting With Watch Series 12 And Ultra 4 In 2026

Apple is planning to make its upcoming smartwatches an interesting upgrade, which will make them more secure. According to reports based on internal developer code, the tech giant is experimenting with bringing Touch ID, which is a fingerprint-based authentication system, similar to the iPhone and iPad. Now, reports suggest that it is coming to next year’s Apple Watches, such as the Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4.  Also Read: iPhone 17 Series To Arrive At Your Door In Just 10 Minutes Via Blinkit

As per a report by MacWorld, the code references “AppleMesa,” which has long been Apple’s internal codename for Touch ID. While this doesn’t guarantee the feature will appear in next year’s models, it strongly suggests that Apple is testing the waters for biometric authentication on the Watch. Also Read: Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale: iPhone 16 Pro And iPhone 16 Pro Max Deal Prices Revealed; Under Rs 70,000?

How Could Apple Add It?

The big question is where a fingerprint scanner would actually go on such a small device. Apple’s patents hint at multiple possibilities. One option is integrating the sensor into the side button, similar to how some iPads use it. Another possibility is an in-display optical sensor, which has been rumoured before. There’s also the chance that Apple could place it on the underside of the watch for wrist-based recognition.

Adding Touch ID could make unlocking the watch more convenient, especially for users who currently rely on PIN codes after removing and wearing it again. It would also provide an extra layer of security for Apple Pay transactions, making it faster and safer to authorise payments from the wrist.

When Could It Arrive?

While the upcoming Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 (expected next month) are unlikely to feature Touch ID, the reports point toward a 2026 timeline. That would mean the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 could be the first to offer the upgrade.

Interestingly, these future models are also expected to debut a new processor, codenamed T8320, marking a step up from the chips used in recent generations. This suggests Apple is planning a more substantial redesign, not just an incremental update.