Apple’s Touch ID last made an appearance in Apple’s flagship iPhone lineup back in 2017. Now it appears to be poised to make a return in the form of a side-mounted sensor configuration on a new foldable iPhone that could be released as soon as next year.
The lone device in the iPhone lineup that still used Touch ID was the lower-priced third-generation iPhone SE. However, that handset was recently replaced by the iPhone 16e, which is equipped with Face ID to unlock the device and authenticate.
Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims Apple’s first foldable iPhone will use Touch ID in the place of Face ID. Kuo recently shared details about the new foldable iPhone, which he says will use Touch ID in a side button similar to the current iPad Air and iPad mini models.
Kuo says space constraints resulted in Apple’s decision to not use Face ID. Kuo says the foldable iPhone will have measurements of between 9mm and 9.5 mm when folded, and 4.5mm to 4.8 mm when unfolded.
Apple’s foldable iPhone – is said to boast a book-style design, sporting a 7.8-inch “crease-free” inner display, as well as a 5.5-inch outer screen – is expected to debut sometime in the late 2026/early 2027 timeframe and is expected to carry a premium price tag, ranging from $2,000 to $2,500+ at release.
