Apple Watch leak hints at Touch ID and major upgrades for 2026 models

Apple Watch

Fresh details hidden within Apple’s internal code suggest that the company is preparing a major revamp for its 2026 Apple Watch lineup, with the potential introduction of Touch ID and an all-new processor. The discovery was first reported by Macworld and later confirmed by MacRumors, pointing to one of the most significant updates for the smartwatch in years.

The code references “AppleMesa,” Apple’s internal codename for Touch ID. This indicates that prototype models of the 2026 Apple Watch already feature biometric authentication in some form. Exactly how Touch ID would be implemented remains unclear. Apple could integrate a fingerprint sensor under the display, as seen in certain Android smartphones, or embed it into the side button for more discreet authentication.

If the feature makes it to production, Touch ID would greatly improve security on the Apple Watch. Currently, the device relies on short numerical passcodes, which are convenient but less secure. With biometric authentication, processes such as Apple Pay would become faster and more reliable, reducing the chances of fraud or misuse.

It is important to note that no code for Touch ID appears in the upcoming 2025 Apple Watch models, which suggests that the feature is being targeted exclusively for the 2026 generation. Apple could still abandon the plan altogether, as has happened with other features tested in prototypes. Nevertheless, the fact that Touch ID is being actively tested increases the likelihood of its arrival.

Alongside biometric authentication, the internal code also reveals the presence of a new chip, codenamed “T8320.” This is expected to power three models: the Apple Watch Series 12, its cellular variant, and the Apple Watch Ultra 4. By comparison, the current S9 and S10 chips, as well as the upcoming S11, are all built on the older “T8310” platform. This points to a genuine performance leap, with Apple finally delivering a meaningful processor upgrade for the smartwatch after several iterative years.

The code further identifies the 2026 Apple Watch lineup as “Watch8,” while the Series 9, Series 10, and Series 11 all fall under “Watch7.” This change in internal classification signals that Apple views the 2026 models as a generational shift rather than another incremental update. Reports from DigiTimes have also suggested that Apple is planning significant design changes, which could debut alongside these features.

All signs suggest that the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 will represent a major overhaul, combining biometric security, improved performance, and possibly a new design language. For Apple Watch owners, 2026 could be the most compelling upgrade year in a long time.