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ZDNET’s key takeaways 

• Apple could be toying with Touch ID on the Apple Watch. 
• It will probably not arrive on the smartwatches Apple unveils next month. 
• Touch ID is part of a larger Apple Watch upgrade that could be coming in 2026.

You might be unlocking your next Apple Watch with a biometric Touch ID, according to MacWorld. The publication found internal software that suggests Touch ID could be coming to future watch generations. 

Code for 2026 Apple Watch models mentions support for AppleMesa, the tech giant’s internal name for TouchID, MacWorld reported. The feature seems to be in the prototype stage for now, which implies that it might not be coming to the smartwatches Apple will debut at its iPhone event next month, like the Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, or SE 3. 

Also: I compared the best smartwatches from Google and Apple – and there’s a clear winner

How Apple would use TouchID is still up in the air, though MacWorld provided some possible use cases, like a patent Apple secured for biometric systems within the watch. Rumors suggest Apple could add TouchID to the Apple Watch’s side or the in-display sensor. This would be a welcome update, as it gets annoying regularly typing in my passcode when the watch is around my wrist all day. A quick and easy TouchID feature could make unlocking quicker and seamless. 

We’re seeing tech brands experiment with sensor-specific functionalities that capture biomarkers, and Apple’s foray in the space could provide refreshing innovation. With the release of the Galaxy Watch 8 and 8 Classic, Samsung debuted a BioActive sensor that a wearer could place their finger on to gauge their antioxidant level. 

The biometric feature is one of many Apple identifies as “Watch8” in its code, which MacRumors said could signify a major hardware evolution and involve a new processor, as the current group of smartwatches Apple developed and is working on, including Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and even Series 11, are a part of Watch7. 

Also: The Apple Watch Series 11 rumors I’m most excited about 

The rumors of such a feature arrive just weeks before Apple’s biggest hardware event of the year, where it will take to its Cupertino stage and unveil its newest lineup of smartphones, smartwatches, AirPods, and other tech. 

Rumors suggest the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 are imminent, with feature upgrades that could include a new sleep scoring functionality, satellite connectivity upgrades for the Ultra 3, and a revamped Health app. 

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