Possible Touch ID for Watch?

[zakarhino]

So I was just thinking, is there a chance Apple might be adding some stuff to the apple watch (or developing a feature they're went able to show at the event) including TouchID? Well, the answer to 'adding some stuff' is yes because Tim Cook didn't want to show that ABC reported everything because he said something along the lines of "There's some stuff that's a little secret" (close to that) but then I saw this picture on Apple's site of all the models next to each other (below) and it got me thinking:

All of those devices have a black shiny inlay for the Digital Crown (except for the sport editions which seem to have the same aluminum from the body)... A black round glass inlay on the button screams "that's Touch ID" to me since Apple's already tested Touch ID's technology hidden under a complete black round piece of glass on the iPhone. This also stays in line with the idea of the Sport being the least expensive and thus Apple only offering Touch ID on the more 'premium' products (a la Standard and Edition). Also, if you think about it, Apple will make sure every model can use Apple Pay (even, let's say, the sport one minus Touch ID) thus it makes sense they disclose the information about how Apple Pay's security will work for "the apple watch" (through skin contact) because whilst only some will work with Touch ID, ALL of them will be using that secuirty of skin contact? What do you guys think? Personally I see no reason for not including Touch ID and these pictures give us some clues:

 

[McFreggle]

I see little reason to add it. The Watch makes skin contact, and knows when skin contact is broken. So it would be enough to log in using a code in the morning when you put the watch on, not needing Touch ID to verify who's wearing the watch.

 

[zakarhino]

I see little reason to add it. The Watch makes skin contact, and knows when skin contact is broken. So it would be enough to log in using a code in the morning when you put the watch on, not needing Touch ID to verify who's wearing the watch.

I saw no reason for Touch ID on the 5S, in fact I thought it was a gimmick. Easily unlocking? Yeah that's cool...

But I got really excited when WWDC came around. For one reason:

Developers.

Most technologies added by Apple are often used in more creative, innovative and interesting ways by developers as opposed to Apple themselves. Sure, the appeal of Touch ID on the Watch may not seem appealing right now, but I do believe the application for it will be incredible. Besides, who wants to enter a password on the tiny screen for security? It's a bunch more conveinient to use Touch ID especially on an Apple Watch because the idea of the product was formed around ephemeral interaction and easy access. A passcode on a 1.5inch display is the antithesis of that.

 

[matrix07]

Good observation. But I can't help to think if there's a place for Touch ID on the watch the most logical place would be the screen itself since it's the only place that large enough. But then again when you pay with it you need to use both hands and that doesn't seem comfortable. I guess the way Apple implemented it right now is the best way by far.

 

[MeFromHere]

...
All of those devices have a black shiny inlay for the Digital Crown (except for the sport editions which seem to have the same aluminum from the body)...
Image

The digital crown seems like a terrible place to add any additional circuit or sensor to the outside of the watch. It rotates, which would add enormous complexity and cost to the watch. If they wanted to add another feature (touch ID, flashlight, etc.) it would more likely go in its own dedicated location.

 

[jabingla2810]

It's far too small to make Touch ID possible, useful, and easy to use.

 

[Julien]

It's far too small to make Touch ID possible, useful, and easy to use.

Bingo and even an understatement. Also there is no way as of now to integrate the finger print reader into an OLED or glass panel. Add to this it requires more specialized chip processing/storage not available in the S1.

 

[kdarling]

The digital crown seems like a terrible place to add any additional circuit or sensor to the outside of the watch. It rotates, which would add enormous complexity and cost to the watch.

This. Plus the crown is just not big enough.

If they wanted to add another feature (touch ID, flashlight, etc.) it would more likely go in its own dedicated location.

I'm thinking that they designed the strap connection they way they did (slide in, locked in alignment), so that in the future, a watch and strap could have electrical connections as well.

A future watch could accept straps with batteries, fingerprint sensors, etc.

Just a possibility.

 

[goobot]

I saw no reason for Touch ID on the 5S, in fact I thought it was a gimmick. Easily unlocking? Yeah that's cool...

But I got really excited when WWDC came around. For one reason:

Developers.

Most technologies added by Apple are often used in more creative, innovative and interesting ways by developers as opposed to Apple themselves. Sure, the appeal of Touch ID on the Watch may not seem appealing right now, but I do believe the application for it will be incredible. Besides, who wants to enter a password on the tiny screen for security? It's a bunch more conveinient to use Touch ID especially on an Apple Watch because the idea of the product was formed around ephemeral interaction and easy access. A passcode on a 1.5inch display is the antithesis of that.

You fail to realize you need to type in your password for touch ID as well every couple days/reboot. There is no benefit at all.

 

[ttmrn]

i was reading thru the thread.. would someone enlighten me..

the  watch would be attached to me, like totally "stuck" on me.
why would i need TouchID or any password to unlock it?

 

[Julien]

i was reading thru the thread.. would someone enlighten me..

the  watch would be attached to me, like totally "stuck" on me.
why would i need TouchID or any password to unlock it?

Just when you put it on it appears. Since it must be charged, likely about once a day you will have to un "stuck" it every day.

Hopefully you put it on and with your iPhone you just use the fingerprint to authorize the aWatch that is active until you remove the aWatch. Only inconvenience would be if you go for a run or to the gym without your iPhone and need to remove the aWatch for some reason. You would need to enter a PIN to reactivate for Apple Pay. Apple probably would require a more than 4 number PIN for Apple Pay security reasons.

I don't see any BIG inconvenience if it works this way.

 

[HEDocks]

Could it be possible in the future that the touch screen itself has touch ID built in? Apple can get rid of the home button and reduce the top and bottom bezels this way on iOS devices as well.

 

[Julien]

Could it be possible in the future that the touch screen itself has touch ID built in? Apple can get rid of the home button and reduce the top and bottom bezels this way on iOS devices as well.

Almost anything is possible in the future. I'm sure Apple is R&Ding this but it's probably technically difficult and will take a few years. After all just making an accurate consumer grade finger print reader is something special.