Apple Watch Could Finally Get Touch ID in 2026 Redesign

Apple is reportedly preparing to add Touch ID to its smartwatch lineup, with the first model expected as early as 2026.

Leaked developer code references the term “AppleMesa,” Apple’s long-standing codename for its fingerprint authentication system, suggesting that engineers are already testing prototypes.

The technology is unlikely to appear in this year’s watches, but industry chatter points to the Apple Watch Ultra 4 as the first candidate. The big question remains: where would Apple place a fingerprint reader on a watch? Options include an optical in-display sensor beneath the screen or integration into the side button, both of which have been explored in smartphone designs.

This rumor aligns with reports that Apple is planning a significant design overhaul for its wearables next year, along with a new processor in 2026. If Touch ID makes its way to the Apple Watch, it would mark the first major expansion of Apple’s biometric ecosystem since Face ID debuted on iPhones.

While the plans are still in early development, the addition of fingerprint authentication could bring a new layer of security and convenience to Apple’s wearable line, potentially changing how users unlock their watches, authorize payments, and secure health data.