Yet another Touch ID patent for Apple Watch has emerged
Apple is navigating toward a password-free future, but part of that space must and will include new tools for biometric ID, including using an Apple Watch
Yet another Touch ID patent for Apple Watch has emerged
Apple has patented a Touch ID authentication system for the Apple Watch, reports Patently Apple. This describes a Touch ID sensor tucked away under the Side Button, for use in user authentication, device unlock, application access and transactions.
Effectively, it would make the Watch a more effective tool even without an iPhone.
The plan makes a great deal of sense. In fact, it seems inevitable. Apple continues its work to make Apple Watch a leading payment and access system, from use on public transit to hotel doors the intention has been evident for ages.
The idea of introducing Touch ID support to a device that already has so much functionality as a standalone device simply makes sense. It also opens potential usage cases, such as as an authorisation key for highly secure application access.
It’s also not the first time we’ve seen such a patent for the smartwatch – another emerged in 2019, and some thought the company would introduce this support in Apple Watch 6, but it didn’t happen.
Which reminds me…
Rumors don’t always make reality
One thing that might have been in the way is the lack of a Touch ID sensor for use with a solid-state button at this size, so perhaps Apple is moving to finally crack that.
[Also read: How Apple plans to continue to lead the smartwatch market]
There’s no saying the feature will arrive in Apple Watch 8 – particularly given the age of this speculation – but we do anticipate the next model watch will be a significant upgrade.
watchOS9 will bring more customizable watch faces, an enhanced Workout app, new sleep management tools and a built-in medication tracker, Apple said at WWDC 22.
The next model may see a third ‘rugged’ device added to the range, featuring metal casing, longer battery life and a larger display. It may feature an S8 chip, additional health tracking features, including a sleep sensor and more. Might it also include biometrics?
Doing so kind of makes sense within the context of Apple’s work to abandon use of CAPTCHA technologies. At this stage we’ll need to wait and see.
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