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I am buying a new Mac mini M4 Pro. On my 2017 Intel iMac 27", the Apple Watch opens the iMac (most of the time). I can also double-click to enter into the Apple website.
Does paying for the very expensive Magic Keyboard with Touch ID do anything that the Apple Watch doesn't already do?
Mac mini (M2 Pro, 2023)
As you already know, the Apple Watch cannot be used ALL the time. Sometimes you need to enter your macOS account password, or use the fingerprint reader.
If you are good with the few exception cases where you would have to enter your password, then yes, the Apple Watch is a good substitute for the fingerprint reader.
I have an Apple Bluetooth keyboard WITHOUT the fingerprint reader. When my Apple Watch cannot be used, which is maybe once out of 20-30 Mac unlocks, and for a few privileged operations where I get the dialog box asking for a password or fingerprint reader, I just type my password from the external keyboard. But most of the time, I am able to use my Apple Watch to authorize the privileged operation or unlock my Mac.
In fact there is ONLY one place I need to really use my fingerprint reader, and it most likely does not apply to you. At work they have setup up PassKey logins, and FORCE the use of the fingerprint reader. I am not allowed to use my Apple Watch, nor my macOS password. In those instances, I need to access my MacBook Pro laptop fingerprint reader.
If you do not have a requirement that ONLY allows the fingerprint reader to unlock something, such as my work requirement, then you should be good.
Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed answer.
"As you already know, the Apple Watch cannot be used ALL the time. Sometimes you need to enter your macOS account password, or use the fingerprint reader."
Never having a fingerprint reader for my Mac, I did not know that it could be used in those instances. It seems that the watch substitutes for most cases, but not (?).
Every once in a while, the Mac asks me for my Apple account password. I rarely remember it, so I have to write it down - which defeats its purpose. Interesting that the fingerprint "Touch ID" does substitute for that.
It is always good to remember your passwords. There are instances when your fingerprint reader can be disabled, for example there are situations where it can be disabled to avoid being forced to put your finger on the reader. This is something you have to implement when you are aware you might be forced to unlock your Mac against your will. In the U.S. something you know cannot be forced from you legally, but something you have (a finger) can be used against you.
Anyway, many of us use password managers that sync with other devices, such as our iPhones so that if we forget the Mac password, we can get into our Mac by looking up the password on the iPhone.
Apple has provided a new "Password" app for Macs and iPhones (most recent operating system releases) which sync your passwords via iCloud. The password file is encrypted on devices and stored encrypted in iCloud.com where no one can decrypt it except you.
Does Apple Watch substitue for TouchID
