The iPhone Fold hasn't been officially announced yet, but it's already sparking ongoing debate. New rumors about potential features and design keep surfacing. The question of how Apple will implement biometric authentication on the first foldable iPhone has recently been a hot topic. A well-known analyst has now taken a clear stance and refuted a widely discussed rumor.
Expectations for the iPhone Fold are high. Apple is considered a manufacturer that is rarely the first to break new ground in product categories, but instead is particularly thoughtful. With a market launch starting in 2026, Apple's first foldable phone could enter a segment previously dominated by Samsung. Whether the implementation will be convincing depends on crucial technical details – above all, whether Face ID or Touch ID will be used.
Touch ID in the side button instead of under the display
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is sticking to his prediction that the iPhone Fold will feature Touch ID integrated into the side button. He believes a fingerprint sensor directly under the display is unlikely. This contradicts current market rumors that suggest an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the display. Luxshare ICT, a partner that has been supplying Apple components for years, is expected to be the supplier for the module. Apple has already used such a solution in other devices: Both the iPad Air and the iPad mini use Touch ID in the side button. For the iPhone Fold, this decision would therefore not be a novelty, but rather a return to an already established design.
Key technical data of the iPhone Fold
Kuo describes the iPhone Fold as a book-sized device. The internal display is said to be around 7.8 inches, while the external screen has a diagonal of approximately 5.5 inches. The foldable device will be priced in the premium segment, with prices being discussed between $2,000 and $2,500. Apple is also focusing on a clear camera setup, according to the forecasts. A dual camera setup is expected on the back, complemented by front cameras in both the folded and unfolded state. It's also notable that Apple may forego Face ID on the inside to save space and keep the design more compact.
Production and market launch schedule
According to Ming-Chi Kuo and his colleague Jeff Pu, mass production of the iPhone Fold is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026. This suggests a market launch in the usual September timeframe. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman also expects a presentation in fall 2026. This suggests that 2026 is likely to be the year in which Apple will launch a foldable device for the first time.
Apple relies on proven technology for the iPhone Fold
The iPhone Fold remains a project surrounded by much speculation. It seems certain that Apple will opt for Touch ID in the side button and thus not introduce a new fingerprint sensor under the display. With a large foldable screen, a price in the upper premium range, and the possible omission of Face ID, Apple is pursuing a clear strategy: a compact, powerful device that could shake up the foldable market. However, until the official unveiling, discussions about details such as authentication, cameras, and design will continue. (Image: Shutterstock / Zia Liu)
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