Internal developer code published by Apple and seen by Macworld suggests that Apple is exploring ways to bring Touch ID to the Apple Watch.
“According to specific entries in the code, Apple has been experimenting with some form of biometric authentication on the Apple Watch. Code for what clearly refers to the 2026 models of the Apple Watch mentions support for ‘AppleMesa,’which has long been Apple’s internal codename for Touch ID,” according to Macworld.
The article adds that the code is explicitly for internal use only, which suggests that the idea is still in the prototype stage. None of the current Apple Watch models, including those coming out this year, reference Touch ID drivers, even for internal use, according to Macworld.
It doesn’t sound like the upcoming Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 — likely to arrive in September or October — will have Touch ID support.
As for the 2026 smartphone updates, according to supply chain sources of DigiTimes, Apple will be making “exterior design” changes among others. According to the report, there will be double the number of sensors, changes to the exterior, and improved power efficiency.
What’s more, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will feature satellite connectivity and a new 5G cellular modem from MediaTek, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in a March “Power On” newsletter.
Support for satellite messaging on the Apple Watch Ultra would allow users to send texts when out of range of cellular and Wi-Fi networks, similar to how it works on iPhone.
Apple first introduced satellite connectivity with the iPhone 14. Since then, the feature has been added in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, but not to any Apple Watches. All iPhones come with two years of connectivity for free. In addition to satellite connectivity and a 5G modem, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 may also sport a blood-pressure tool.
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