Apple Rumoured to Ditch Face ID for Side-Mounted Touch ID on the iPhone Fold
Apple’s highly anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market may come with a surprising design compromise. New reports suggest that the tech giant plans to remove Face ID from its first foldable iPhone, tentatively dubbed the “iPhone Fold,” in favour of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor.
According to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the decision is driven primarily by engineering constraints. Apple is reportedly prioritising an ultra-thin chassis for the device, mirroring the design philosophy behind the recently rumoured iPhone Air. The biometric hardware required for Face ID is apparently too bulky for the slim profile Apple aims to achieve, leading engineers to opt for a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button instead.
This move would mark a significant shift for Apple’s flagship lineup. Since the launch of the iPhone X in 2017, Face ID has been a standard feature on all premium models, while Touch ID has been relegated to the budget-friendly iPhone SE and specific iPad models like the iPad Air and iPad Mini. Including a “budget” security feature on a device expected to cost upwards of USD2,000 could prove controversial among enthusiasts.
Key Specifications Revealed
The leak also provided specific details regarding the device’s display and camera hardware. The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a “wide” book-style design with the following specifications:
- Inner Display: A substantial 7.58-inch folding screen.
- Cover Display: A compact 5.25-inch external screen.
- Camera: A 48-megapixel dual-sensor system.
- Front Cameras: Reports indicate an under-display camera for the inner screen and a standard punch-hole camera for the cover display.
The report suggests that Apple is willing to make aggressive trade-offs to shave millimetres off the device. Beyond removing Face ID, rumours indicate the company may eliminate the physical SIM tray, relying exclusively on eSIM technology to save internal space.
Market Context and Release Date
We should expect the iPhone Fold to launch in September 2026, likely alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. This release would come nearly seven years after Samsung pioneered the category with the original Galaxy Fold. Speaking of competitors, the leak also notes that Samsung is developing a new “wide” foldable phone to compete directly with Apple’s upcoming form factor.
While the return of Touch ID might disappoint users accustomed to facial recognition, it highlights the immense technical challenges involved in creating a foldable device that meets Apple’s strict standards for thinness and durability.
