Chinese leaker Instant Digital posted on Weibo that Apple will skip Touch ID on its upcoming watches, opting instead to rely on the paired iPhone for unlocking. The source argues a fingerprint sensor would raise component costs and steal space earmarked for a larger battery and next‑gen health sensors. Apple appears to prioritize endurance over new biometric convenience for the 2026 lineup.

Last August, MacRumors cited code discovered by Macworld that hinted Touch ID could surface on the Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4, fueling speculation about under‑display or side‑button placement. Instant Digital’s claim suggests those rumors won’t materialize this cycle, and that Apple will keep the watch’s exterior unchanged until at least 2028, when more ambitious health features like non‑invasive glucose monitoring might finally arrive.

By forgoing Touch ID, Apple can allocate the freed volume to a bigger cell, potentially extending daily wear time by several hours—a selling point for fitness enthusiasts and users of the Ultra line. The decision also signals that Apple still views the iPhone as the primary authentication hub, reinforcing the ecosystem’s interdependence rather than diversifying entry methods on the wrist.