- It has long been rumored that Apple is planning Touch ID on Apple Watches
- Those plans have been put on hold, according to leaker Instant Digital
- The leaker says Apple is more focused on improving battery life and health sensors
For some time now, we’ve heard rumors that Touch ID, possibly via the digital crown, would find its way to the top Apple Watches. But if the latest rumors are correct, don’t expect this to be announced anytime at this year’s WWDC or Apple’s events in September.
“Apple’s current strategy still prioritizes using the iPhone to unlock other devices via seamless connectivity.”
It makes a lot of sense to keep the phone as the central hub that brings together all your accessories, but I can see why a Touch ID feature could be tempting. We often hear about the ability of an LTE-capable Apple Watch to act as a ‘mini phone’ of sorts, keeping your contacts, messages and wallet close at hand – pun intended – when you leave your house without your phone.
Biometric security is a logical step for LTE models, but it remains a niche use, especially since the watch already locks itself with a password when it’s removed from your wrist.
However, the leaker claims that Apple is not focusing on this right now. They write: ‘Apple’s current focus is on packing bigger batteries and relentlessly refining its advanced health sensors. Integrating a fingerprint sensor, at least for now, only adds unnecessary cost and directly encroaches on battery space.’
Focus on what is important
It’s music to my ears. I know Apple Watches well as I review them every year, but I’ve recently switched ecosystems to Apple and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has gone from a tester to my daily driver.
I would switch between Garmin Fenix 8 and Garmin Venu 4 in the past, so I’m used to 10 days between charges. While I love the Apple Watch Ultra series, I won’t lie that the need to charge it every few days is my biggest annoyance. After the convenience of Garmin’s huge batteries and low power consumption, living with shorter battery life is an adjustment.
It’s great to hear that Apple is planning to increase the battery further – and it’s good to hear that the accuracy of the health sensor is Apple’s priority right now.
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