Speculation around Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone continues to grow, and the latest reports suggest it may feature a side-button Touch ID sensor instead of the familiar Face ID system. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the device’s slim profile—expected to measure just under 10mm when folded—does not leave enough space to house Face ID’s complex components.
Why Touch ID Makes Sense
Apple has experience with side-mounted fingerprint sensors, having first introduced them on the iPad Air in 2020. That design was praised as an impressive engineering feat, and Apple may lean on the same approach for its foldable model. The move also avoids the uncertainties of in-display fingerprint technology, which has yet to meet Apple’s standards for reliability and efficiency.
No Under-Display Biometric Tech—At Least for Now
Although Apple holds patents for both under-screen Face ID and Touch ID, the technology is still considered too costly and difficult to implement at scale. This doesn’t rule out future use, but for the foldable iPhone, practicality appears to be the deciding factor. With a thinner frame and cost challenges in play, the side-button solution seems the most realistic option.
Launch Timing and Market Expectations
According to Kuo, Apple locked in the final design during the second quarter of 2025. Production is expected to ramp up in late 2026, with the phone launching alongside the iPhone 18 series. Early forecasts point to sales of 3 to 5 million units in the first year, potentially climbing to 20 million units by 2027 if a second-generation model arrives.
A Strategic Step Into Foldables
The iPhone Fold will mark Apple’s long-awaited entry into a category currently dominated by Samsung and other Android makers. While some may be disappointed by the absence of Face ID, the addition of side-button Touch ID highlights Apple’s effort to balance sleek design with dependable security. If successful, the device could set a new benchmark for foldable smartphones, pairing Apple’s signature user experience with a bold new form factor.