Back in 2020, a patent application revealed Apple was exploring the idea of embedding Touch ID into the Digital Crown of the Apple Watch. Hints from leaked code in late 2022 kept the rumor alive, but a recent report from a reliable leaker suggests the company has now shelved the feature. Two main factors—cost and battery life—are said to have driven the decision. Below, we answer the most common questions about this development.
What was the Touch ID for Apple Watch rumor about?
Apple filed a patent in 2020 detailing a fingerprint sensor built directly into the Digital Crown. This would allow users to unlock their Apple Watch and authenticate payments without entering a passcode. Leaked code in 2022 seemed to confirm internal testing, leading many to expect the feature in a future model. However, according to a leaker with a solid track record, Apple has now rejected the idea.
Why did Apple reportedly reject Touch ID for the Watch?
The rejection boils down to two primary concerns: cost and battery life. Adding a fingerprint sensor to the compact Digital Crown would require expensive miniaturization and new components, driving up the device's price. Moreover, the sensor and its supporting hardware would consume extra power, reducing the already limited battery life. Apple is said to have decided that the benefits of Touch ID do not justify these tradeoffs.
How would Touch ID have worked on an Apple Watch?
Based on the patent, the sensor would be integrated into the Digital Crown, the rotating button on the side of the Watch. Users would place their finger on the crown to read their fingerprint, similar to the Touch ID on older iPhones and iPads. This placement would allow quick, one-handed authentication for unlocking, Apple Pay, and app authorization without needing to remove the Watch or type a passcode.
What are the specific cost concerns?
Miniaturizing a capacitive fingerprint sensor to fit inside the Apple Watch's slim Digital Crown is technically challenging. It would require custom silicon, additional assembly steps, and stringent quality control. These factors would increase manufacturing costs significantly—likely by several dollars per unit. For a device already sold in millions, even a small per-unit cost adds up, and Apple may have deemed the expense too high relative to the feature's perceived value.
How would Touch ID affect battery life?
A fingerprint sensor needs to remain powered to detect touch events, even when the Watch is idle. This always-on scanning capability would drain the small battery. Additionally, the sensor's processing chip would consume electricity each time a user authenticates. Apple's engineers reportedly calculated that the combined draw would shorten the Watch's typical 18-hour battery life by an unacceptable margin, especially for users who rely on sleep tracking or all-day wear.
Are there any alternatives to Touch ID for the Apple Watch?
Currently, Apple relies on passcode-based security and unlock via iPhone (when the paired phone is unlocked). Face ID is not feasible due to the Watch's small screen and frequent wrist movement. Some smartwatches use optical heart-rate sensors for authentication, but Apple has not adopted that method. The company may revisit Touch ID in future if battery and cost challenges are overcome, but for now, the feature is off the table.
Could Touch ID ever return to a future Apple Watch?
Yes, it's possible. The leaker's report indicates Apple has rejected it for the current generation, but future advances in battery technology or sensor miniaturization could change the equation. Apple might also explore a different form factor, such as an under-display fingerprint sensor or a separate button. However, as of now, there is no official confirmation, and the company is prioritizing other features like health sensors and performance improvements.