Apple Watch Series 12 to do without long-awaited feature

The Apple Watch Series 11 ($299 on Amazon) has only received relatively few upgrades. A code leak had already indicated last year that Apple was testing a new feature for its next-generation smartwatch, namely a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, although it was unclear whether this sensor would be integrated invisibly into the OLED display or into the button on the side of the smartwatch.

According to the latest information from the leaker Instant Digital Apple has now abandoned these plans, at least for the time being. This is because a fingerprint sensor would not only increase production costs, but would also take up space in the tiny case of the smartwatch. This space is to be used for a larger battery instead. It is not yet known whether this battery can extend the runtime or just compensate for the higher power consumption of new AI features. A fingerprint sensor would make it unnecessary to enter a pin code to unlock the smartwatch, while contactless payment could be made much more secure through biometric authentication.

However, the Apple Watch can already be unlocked automatically when the connected iPhone is unlocked using Face ID, so a fingerprint sensor would only increase convenience minimally. According to Instant Digital, Apple is also working on more advanced sensors, but the leaker does not provide any further details. According to rumors Apple is developing both a blood glucose sensor and an improved blood pressure measurement, but these are not expected to be ready for the launch of the Apple Watch Series 12 in September. It is not yet known exactly which upgrades the next-generation Apple Watch will receive.