New Apple Watch With Touch ID and More Uncovered in Leaked Code

[MacRumors]

A major hardware upgrade for the Apple Watch lineup is planned for next year, findings in internal Apple code suggest.

According to lines of internal code spotted by Macworld and subsequently confirmed by MacRumors, Apple has been experimenting with biometric authentication for 2026's Apple Watch lineup. The code mentions support for "AppleMesa," which is Apple's codename for Touch ID, suggesting that prototype models currently offer the feature in some way.

It is worth noting that no other Apple Watch models, including the upcoming 2025 lineup, include code for Touch ID. How exactly Touch ID would be implemented on the Apple Watch is unclear, but the company could opt to place it under the display like some Android smartphones, or integrate it into the side button.

Touch ID on the Apple Watch could make the device more secure, reducing reliance on short numerical passwords. In fact, the security of processes such as Apple Pay could be considerably enhanced with on-device biometric authentication.

Apple could still abandon the Touch ID sensor on the prototype models and strip references to it out of its internal code, but the possibility of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 touting the feature should now be taken seriously.

The code also reveals that the models "N237" (Apple Watch Series 12), "N238" (Apple Watch Series 12 with cellular connectivity), and "N240" (Apple Watch Ultra 4) will contain an all-new CPU with the identifier "T8320." The S9 and S10 chips, as well as the upcoming S11, are all essentially the same chip with the identifier "T8310," indicating that a meaningful S-series chip upgrade is highly likely next year.

Beyond Touch ID and a faster chip, the code suggests that 2026's Apple Watch lineup will be a considerable upgrade more broadly. The new series is identified as "Watch8;" the Series 9, 10, and 11 are all identified as "Watch7," pointing to a significant departure from previous models in 2026. Seemingly corroborating this, DigiTimes last week reported that significant design changes are coming to the Apple Watch next year.

Article Link: New Apple Watch With Touch ID and More Uncovered in Leaked Code

 

[dguisinger]

Huh, I had been in the market for a new watch, I was waiting to see what came out this year.... my old watch's battery won't make it through the day.

But I really don't want a brand new 3 year old recycled pile of components which is what everything is pointing to.... so if next year is coming with a bunch of improvements, I guess I'll wait.

 

[goonie4life9]

This is classic Apple. They trial a new feature in a less prominent product and then roll it out to the more prominent products (e.g., LTPO screens).

 

[swm]

putting it into the side button would make sense - this setup matches the one of iPad Air Touch ID.
and it would be a more secure and easier way to authenticate yourself - albeit the PIN will still remain the weakest link in the chain.
on the other hand - the mutual unlock functionality between the watch and the phone seems to work just fine in many cases. given the relatively poor track record of under-display fingerprint readers in android phones and the extra thickness it would probably add to the device, I doubt apple will pursue that direction.

 

[t0rqx]

Using leftover stock of Touch ID components to fuel Watch sales? Focus on innovation health sensors instead.

 

[UnbreakableAlex]

So that´s the new sensor we`re getting ^^

 

[kiranmk2]

Just so long as this is the unlock when putting the watch on, rather than needing to unlock it each time you interact with it (perhaps to activate Apple Pay). I haven't heard of any occurences of people being skimmed via Apple Pay readers and pick pockets double pressing the side button...

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

I think the only time I enter my passcode on the watch is when I install an update.

The "Unlock with iPhone" option negates it.

 

[Mity]

I would just like a larger battery.

 

[BelgianChoklit]

I really don't want useless krap on my Apple Watch making it more expensive for no reason.

Make bezels thinner
Concentrate on battery life
Health features

 

[poematik13]

This is classic Apple. They trial a new feature in a less prominent product and then roll it out to the more prominent products (e.g., LTPO screens).

same with their in-house modem lol

 

[xizdun]

Touch ID on the Apple Watch would be a great usability enhancement versus pass codes and double-pressing the side button. Looking forward to it.

 

[orbital~debris]

It'll be in the side button, I'll bet. Apple would be extending the paradigm they've already established and users would understand how to operate it (the old learn once, use anywhere Mac approach).

The display method would be more suitable for an eventual camera-equipped model, if Apple go down that route, as it could potentially allow for Face ID (miniaturisation permitting, of course).

 

[DTphonehome]

I don't get it. I specifically remember them touting during the launch that since the Watch is on your skin, it's secure. Once you've unlocked it by entering the passcode or through your phone after you put it on in the morning, it's authenticated until you remove it. What problem does this solve?

 

[subjonas]

Not sure how often Touch ID would be useful on the watch since it unlocks with phone. Touch ID on the phone, on the other hand, would be very useful.

 

[fhall1]

I'd take a 3+ day battery life over any new sensor/feature

 

[iZac]

Touch ID would be fantastic, I'm always torn as to whether I should input the PIN or just unlock my phone with FaceID to unlock the watch, this would make leaving the house without the phone a lot more seamless.

Plus my Apple Watch 5 battery is dog-egg right now.

 

[daniesy]

It's always "next year" and when it launches is underwhelming...

 

[bmark]

No one gives two ***** about Touch ID on an Apple Watch! Apple 1 step forward, 3 steps backwards.

 

[Return Zero]

Maybe this is a step towards Apple allowing Watch to be a stand-alone device (no iPhone requirement)?

 

[alanvitek]

Maybe this is a step towards Apple allowing Watch to be a stand-alone device (no iPhone requirement)?

Exactly what I was thinking. I tried to go this route a few years back and left my phone at home most of the time. It worked okay-ish but battery life on cellular needs a major upgrade (especially in rural areas where signal goes in and out)

 

[ProbablyDylan]

They'll really do anything except improve battery life won't they? AW needs all the help it can get - especially on cell.

 

[brownj218]

How exactly Touch ID would be implemented on the Apple Watch is unclear, but the company could opt to place it under the display like some Android smartphones, or integrate it into the side button.

The crown seems like the most obvious place, was it not mentioned due to the difficulty of implementing a sensor in a component that spins continuously?

 

[UltimaKilo]

The Apple Watch should really move to an 18 or 24 month upgrade cycle.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Exactly what I was thinking. I tried to go this route a few years back and left my phone at home most of the time. It worked okay-ish but battery life on cellular needs a major upgrade (especially in rural areas where signal goes in and out)

Agreed. That's the only way this makes sense to me.