What to know
What to know
Apple Watch code once pointed to Touch ID, Apple's fingerprint reader, according to Macworld. The code referred to AppleMesa, Apple's code name for Touch ID, and sparked talk of a sensor under the display or in the side button.
In May 2026, the leaker Instant Digital said talk of fingerprint unlock coming to Apple's wearables was only a report. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also said he does not expect Series 12 to have any major design changes.
Apple has not announced Touch ID for Apple Watch.
How we know this
How we know this
What changed, newest first.
Sep 9, 2026RightIt turned out as reported.
Aug 30, 2026MacRumorsGurman also does not expect Touch ID or any major design change on the Series 12 or Ultra 4
Aug 26, 2026Gadgets & WearablesThe fingerprint speculation rests on the AppleMesa codename in leaked software
Aug 24, 2026MacRumorsLeaked code carries AppleMesa, Apple's Touch ID codename, with no fixed location for it
Aug 19, 2025Macworld via Tom's GuideApple has at least explored a fingerprint unlock to replace the passcode+1 outlet
Reported
Latest Apple Watch Series 12 news
Latest Apple Watch Series 12 news
- Some Apple Watches run an hour fast on the Always-On screen after Europe's clock changeAndroid Headlines · Oct 26, 2026
- Orangetheory members can use an Apple Watch in class for a one-time $999to5Mac · Oct 22, 2026
- An Apple Watch can now pair with some Huawei phones in ChinaAndroid Headlines · Oct 13, 2026
- Apple Watch Series 12 is slightly easier to repair, but iFixit still gives it a 4 out of 10MacRumors · Oct 7, 2026