Apple Watch could soon feature touch ID in biometric breakthrough
A reference to “AppleMesa,” Apple’s internal codename for Touch ID, was spotted in unreleased software build associated with the next-gen Apple Watch models.
Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for biometric authentication on the Apple Watch, with fresh code leaks suggesting that Touch ID could be on the way as early as 2026.
For years, Apple Watch users have relied on basic PIN passcodes for security. But now, Apple seems ready to bring the convenience and security of fingerprint authentication, a feature long standard on iPhones and iPads, directly to the watch.
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A reference to “AppleMesa,” Apple’s internal codename for Touch ID, was spotted in unreleased software build associated with the next-gen Apple Watch models.
Developers analysing the code discovered links between Touch ID functionality and three unreleased Apple Watch identifiers: N237, N238, and N240, which are believed to correspond to the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4.
This is not just a minor update; the 2026 models are reportedly built on a new chip architecture, the T8320, a leap from the T8310 used in the current Series 11, indicating broader hardware upgrades that could support biometric features.
While Apple has not confirmed anything officially, based on its patent filings and past experiments, there are two likely ways this could work:
Touch ID on the Digital Crown or side button: A natural placement that would make authentication feel intuitive.
Under-display fingerprint sensor: A more advanced option that would allow users to unlock the watch or confirm actions just by tapping the screen.
With the iPhone moving steadily toward a more Face ID-centric model, the Apple Watch may now be getting its form of seamless, touch-based security.
Moreover, adding biometric security to the Apple Watch could enhance future features like digital ID, medical data access, and more robust third-party app authentication, all from your wrist.
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