few incremental updates, yet upcoming models in the coming years might unveil an exciting feature that the iPhone has recently surpassed. Recently, Macworld had the opportunity to examine unreleased code for the Apple Watch and discovered a mention of “AppleMesa,” which is the company’s code for Touch ID. None of the code for Apple’s 2025 Apple Watch collection includes this reference, indicating that an Apple Watch with Touch ID won’t be available until 2026 at the very earliest.
Nevertheless, it is encouraging to see that Apple is exploring ways to enhance the overall user experience of the Apple Watch. While unlocking the Apple Watch with a passcode is feasible, introducing Touch ID would render the unlocking process a bit more fluid. It remains uncertain where Apple might position the sensor. One possible approach would be to embed it into the side button, akin to what Apple implemented in its iPad series. This configuration would also be logical considering its current use for Apple Pay.
Interestingly, Apple has previously submitted patents outlining a concept to incorporate Touch ID into the Digital Crown. It’s notable that Apple frequently files patents for technologies that may never be realized. In other words, while the idea of Touch ID on the Digital Crown is fascinating, I believe it’s more viable to integrate Touch ID into the side button.
