Next Apple Watch models unlikely to add Touch ID, focus on battery life

At a glance:

• Apple is not adding Touch ID to the next Apple Watch models, opting instead to enhance battery life and health sensors.
• Leaker Instant Digital dismisses Touch ID rumors, citing cost and internal space constraints as key tradeoffs.
• Major Apple Watch design changes are not anticipated until 2028, with blood glucose monitoring still in early development.

The Touch ID Decision and Its Implications

Apple's forthcoming wearable updates will not include fingerprint authentication, as the company prioritizes other enhancements, according to a claim from prominent leaker Instant Digital. In a Weibo post, Instant Digital pushed back against recent speculation about biometric recognition coming to the Apple Watch, stating that Apple remains content with users unlocking their devices via paired iPhones. This approach allows Apple to avoid the extra cost and precious internal space that Touch ID sensors would require, which are better utilized for battery capacity, the leaker suggests.

The decision marks a strategic shift from earlier rumors. Last August, MacRumors confirmed lines of code uncovered by Macworld that indicated Touch ID could arrive on the Apple Watch Series 12 or Apple Watch Ultra 4. Those discoveries led to suggestions that Apple might integrate the sensor under the display or into the side button, similar to its implementation on the iPad mini and iPad Air. However, Instant Digital's latest assertion implies that Apple has reconsidered this path, at least for the immediate future.

Battery Life and Health Sensing: Apple's Priorities

Instead of biometric authentication, Apple is focusing on larger batteries and more advanced health sensors for its smartwatch lineup. This emphasis aligns with the device's core value proposition as a health and fitness companion. By allocating internal space to battery capacity, Apple aims to improve the Apple Watch's longevity between charges, a common user request. Concurrently, the company is developing next-generation health monitoring features, though some remain in nascent stages.

One such feature is noninvasive blood glucose monitoring, which has been long-rumored for the Apple Watch. Instant Digital notes that while this technology could be introduced in a future design overhaul, it is currently in the early stages of development. The 2026 models are not expected to feature this capability, indicating that Apple is taking a cautious, incremental approach to health innovation, prioritizing reliability over rushed deployment.

Design Evolution on a Slow Track

Major design changes for the Apple Watch are not on the horizon until at least 2028, according to the leaker. This suggests that the 2026 models will retain a similar form factor to current versions, with refinements focused on internal components rather than external aesthetics. The prolonged design cycle could be a strategic move to allow Apple to perfect its health sensor technology and battery efficiency without the disruption of a physical redesign.

For consumers, this means that upgraders from recent models may see fewer cosmetic changes but potentially significant functional improvements under the hood. Competitors in the smartwatch market may also find less pressure to match Apple's design innovations in the short term, though they continue to advance their own health and battery features. The 2028 timeline sets a clear roadmap for Apple's wearable ambitions, with blood glucose monitoring likely to be a cornerstone of the next major update.

Other Recent Apple Watch Updates

Apple has announced several imminent updates for the Apple Watch, including two new activity challenges tied to Earth Day and International Dance Day later in April. The Earth Day challenge on April 22 will require users to complete a 30-minute workout, while the Dance Day challenge on April 29 encourages movement through dance-themed activities. These initiatives aim to boost user engagement with fitness goals during notable calendar events.

In parallel, Apple is enhancing its retail support for the device. Soon, Apple Stores and Authorized Service Providers will be able to restore Apple Watch software in-house, a change that will streamline repairs for software-related issues without mailing the device to a service center. Complementing this, Apple has debuted a new advertisement titled "Health with iPhone + Apple Watch," which showcases the health insights and social interactions enabled by the paired devices, reinforcing the value proposition of the Apple ecosystem.