Touch ID May Be Coming to Apple Watch by 2026

Biometric Upgrade Could Transform Watch Security

Apple Watch may soon become more secure and user-friendly, thanks to a potential leap forward in biometric technology. Recent software leaks suggest that Apple is preparing to introduce Touch ID to its smartwatch lineup, possibly starting with the 2026 models.

Up until now, Apple Watch users have been limited to PIN codes for unlocking and authentication. However, newly discovered code hints at the inclusion of fingerprint recognition—a feature that has long been a staple on iPhones and iPads.

The clue? A reference to “AppleMesa,” Apple’s internal codename for Touch ID, was found in a yet-to-be-released software version linked to upcoming Apple Watch models. Developers uncovered Touch ID hooks tied to three unreleased devices—labeled N237, N238, and N240—which are believed to correspond to the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4.

These watches will reportedly run on a new chip architecture, the T8320—marking a notable jump from the current T8310 found in the Series 11. The upgraded chip could provide the horsepower needed to support biometric features.

While Apple has yet to make any public announcement, past patent filings and internal projects offer insight into how Touch ID might be implemented. Two likely options have emerged:

• Touch ID embedded in the Digital Crown or side button, allowing users to unlock their watch with a simple press.

• An under-display fingerprint sensor, enabling screen-based fingerprint authentication—ideal for actions like Apple Pay or app access.

As iPhones shift further toward Face ID, the Apple Watch could carve its own path with touch-based security—offering a fast, secure, and discreet way to verify identity.

Biometric authentication could also unlock a wider range of use cases in the future, such as access to digital IDs, health records, or secure app data—all right from your wrist.

While 2026 might still be a way off, these developments point toward a major evolution in how we interact with and secure our wearable devices.