Apple Watch Touch ID Plans Ruled Out, Claims Leaker; Major Redesign Unlikely Before 2028
Apple is not currently planning to add fingerprint authentication (Touch ID) to the Apple Watch, according to a Chinese leaker known as Instant Digital on Weibo. This statement directly contradicts recent speculation that suggested the feature could appear on future models.
The leaker stated that Apple prefers users to unlock the watch via their paired iPhone, arguing that adding Touch ID would increase manufacturing costs and reduce internal space available for batteries.
Previous speculation—based on code discovered by Macworld and confirmed by MacRumors—had suggested Touch ID could appear on the Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4, potentially integrated under the display or within the side button.
“Adding Touch ID would increase cost and reduce internal space for batteries,” the leaker stated.
Regarding broader design updates, 2026 Apple Watch models are not expected to feature major design changes, with a significant redesign considered unlikely before 2028. Noninvasive blood glucose monitoring may be introduced around that time, but the technology remains in early development.