Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Will Be Minor Updates, Touch ID Now Unlikely — MacRumors Roundup

MacRumors published a comprehensive roundup on July 26 of every confirmed and rumored feature for the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, both expected in September 2026. The takeaway: these will be incremental updates, not the revolutionary leap some buyers were hoping for.

Touch ID Is Now Unlikely

Earlier in 2026, references to "AppleMesa" — Apple's internal Touch ID codename — were found in watchOS code, sparking excitement about fingerprint authentication coming to Apple Watch. However, multiple leakers have since pushed back:

• A prominent leaker cited by MacRumors argues Apple is prioritizing battery capacity over biometrics
• The under-display fingerprint sensor reportedly added too much thickness to prototypes
• Apple may be saving Touch ID for 2027's Series 13, which is rumored to feature a major redesign

What IS Expected

Apple Watch Ultra 4:

• 10–15% thinner titanium case
• Updated S12 chip with improved power efficiency
• Same 49mm display size
• 48-hour claimed battery life (up from 36 hours)
• Possible blood pressure trend monitoring (not diagnostic)

Apple Watch Series 12:

• Sensor-in-band design rumored for health tracking through the band
• Updated S12 chip
• Slightly improved battery life
• New band connector system

What This Means for Buyers

If you were waiting for Touch ID, this changes the calculus. The Ultra 4 will be a refinement, not a revolution. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 at $640 on Amazon and the Apple Watch Series 11 at $299 are at excellent prices right now. Waiting for September makes sense only if the thinner design or potential blood pressure feature matters to you. Compare all options in our fall 2026 smartwatch buying guide.