Rumors surrounding Apple’s first foldable iPhone continue to build, with well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo now claiming that the device will rely on side-button Touch ID instead of Face ID. The iPhone Fold’s slim design, expected to measure between 9mm and 9.5mm when folded, leaves little room for Face ID’s complex sensor system.
Apple first introduced side-button Touch ID on the iPad Air 4 in 2020, describing it as a major engineering achievement. Kuo believes Apple will use the same approach for its foldable phone, favoring practicality over untested in-display fingerprint technology.
No Under-Screen Touch ID
Earlier reports suggested that Apple was exploring under-screen fingerprint sensors, and the company even holds patents for both under-display Touch ID and Face ID. However, Kuo notes that mass production of these technologies may remain too costly or technically challenging.
This doesn’t mean Apple has abandoned the research altogether. But for now, the foldable’s thin frame and cost concerns make side-button Touch ID the most viable option.
Release Timeline and Sales Forecast
According to Kuo, Apple finalized the iPhone Fold’s design in the second quarter of 2025. Mass production is expected to start in late 2026, aligning the foldable’s release with the iPhone 18 lineup.
Kuo projects sales of 3 to 5 million units in its launch year. By 2027, with a potential second-generation model released alongside the iPhone 19, sales could reach 20 million units.
What It Means for Apple Fans
The iPhone Fold will represent Apple’s entry into a competitive foldable market dominated by Samsung and other Android manufacturers. While some may see the lack of Face ID as a drawback, Apple’s use of side-button Touch ID shows a balance between design constraints and reliable security.
As anticipation grows, consumers will be watching to see whether Apple can deliver a foldable that combines sleek engineering with the seamless user experience that has long defined the iPhone.
