Next year’s Apple Watch could add Touch ID, per leaked code

We’re just weeks away from the unveiling of Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11. But leaked Apple code has now revealed a big new feature that could be coming to next year’s Apple Watch lineup: Touch ID support.

Touch ID support might come to 2026 Apple Watch line

Last week, Macworld published two articles based on leaked Apple code.

One offered evidence of the M5 MacBook Pro being tested with a C1 modem for 5G connectivity. The other involved an M4 Ultra chip in development for a new Mac Pro.

Now, another big find has been gleaned from the code leak.

Filipe Esposito writes at Macworld:

According to specific entries in the code, Apple has been experimenting with some form of biometric authentication on the Apple Watch. Code for what clearly refers to the 2026 models of the Apple Watch mentions support for “AppleMesa,” which has long been Apple’s internal codename for Touch ID.

The code is explicitly for internal use only, which suggests that the idea is still in the prototype stage. None of the current Apple Watch models, including those coming out this year, reference Touch ID drivers, even for internal use.

Last week, Digitimes reported on several changes coming to the Apple Watch in 2026.

One of those claims was that “the number of sensor components will double.” It’s assumed these sensors relate to the Apple Watch’s various health features.

It’s possible, however, that sensors for Touch ID are pushing the count higher.

9to5Mac’s Take

This is a curious find. In theory, bringing Touch ID to Apple Watch could prove a more convenient alternative to entering passcodes. But if watchOS handles biometric authentication at all like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, many situations could still force you to enter a passcode.

The current double-click of the side button for authenticating purchases, including Apple Pay, seems to work well. I’m not sure how much value Touch ID could bring there.

In any case, it sounds like Apple has some interesting changes in development for next year.

Would you want Touch ID on the Apple Watch? Let us know in the comments.

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