# Apple Watch takes a cautious approach while waiting on health breakthroughs

Source: https://idevice.com/apple-watch-plays-it-safe-while-waiting-on
Published: 2026-05-11

## What happened

A Chinese leaker claims Apple is deprioritizing Touch ID for next-generation Apple Watch models (Series 12 / Ultra 4 in 2026), choosing instead to expand battery capacity and health sensors. The company views biometric authentication as a space and cost tradeoff not worth making; users will continue unlocking via paired iPhone. A major design overhaul with potential noninvasive blood glucose monitoring is not expected until 2028 at earliest.

## Our take

Apple Watch is the only major Apple device you cannot unlock with a fingerprint or face scan. The next models will skip fingerprint unlock again, focusing on battery life instead. The reason is simple: the watch is too small to fit both a fingerprint sensor and a battery that lasts all day.

## Sources

- [Apple Watch Series 12 Could Skip Major Hardware Upgrades](https://www.macobserver.com/news/apple-watch-series-12-expected-to-skip-major-hardware-upgrades/) (The Mac Observer, 2026-05-18)
- [This Year’s Apple Watch Might Play Things Very Safe](https://gizmodo.com/this-years-apple-watch-might-play-things-very-safe-2000757011) (Gizmodo, 2026-05-11)
- [Apple has reportedly rejected Touch ID for the Apple Watch for two reasons](https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/11/apple-has-reportedly-rejected-touch-id-for-the-apple-watch-for-two-reasons/) (9to5Mac, 2026-05-11)
- [Next Apple Watch Models Unlikely to Add Touch ID, Focus on Battery Life](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/11/apple-prioritizing-battery-life-apple-watch/) (MacRumors, 2026-05-11)
- [Apple Watch Series 12 probably won't get a major update](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/05/17/apple-watch-series-12-probably-wont-get-a-major-update?utm_source=rss) (AppleInsider, 2026-05-17)
- [Apple Watch may never get Touch ID capabilities in favor of other features](https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/smartwatches/apple-watch-may-never-get-touch-id-capabilities-in-favor-of-other-features) (Tom's Guide, 2026-05-11)