Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone may forget Face ID entirely in favor of returning to fingerprint authentication, according to new reports suggesting the company is prioritizing functionality over facial recognition in its bendable device. The shift represents a fundamental design philosophy change as Apple prepares to enter the foldable smartphone market currently dominated by Samsung and Google.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's foldable iPhone could abandon Face ID for Touch ID fingerprint sensors
- Device expected to feature iPad-style split-screen functionality when unfolded
- New developer tools will enable optimized app layouts for larger display formats
The Context
Apple introduced Face ID with the iPhone X in 2017, replacing the home button and Touch ID fingerprint sensor that had defined iPhone design since 2013. The technology uses a sophisticated TrueDepth camera system to create detailed facial maps, enabling secure authentication through facial recognition. However, the foldable form factor presents unique challenges that may force Apple to reconsider this approach.
The global foldable smartphone market reached $2.8 billion in 2025, with Samsung commanding approximately 80% market share through its Galaxy Fold and Flip series. Apple's absence from this category has been notable, especially as competitors like Google introduced the Pixel Fold and Motorola revived the Razr brand. Industry analysts estimate Apple's entry could expand the foldable market by 40% within two years of launch.
Apple's foldable development has faced significant engineering hurdles, particularly around hinge durability and display technology. The company has reportedly tested multiple prototypes since 2019, with early versions suffering from screen crease issues and mechanical failures after fewer than 10,000 fold cycles.
What's Happening
Recent supply chain reports indicate Apple is developing a foldable iPhone with an inward-folding design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Fold, featuring a 7.6-inch internal display when opened. The device would maintain a standard iPhone-sized external screen for single-handed use, then unfold to reveal a tablet-like interface optimized for productivity and media consumption.
The fingerprint sensor integration represents a pragmatic solution to Face ID's limitations in foldable devices. When folded, the internal cameras become inaccessible, while the external display may not accommodate the full TrueDepth sensor array without significant design compromises. Touch ID sensors could be embedded in the power button or integrated beneath the display using ultrasonic technology.
"The foldable form factor fundamentally changes how users interact with their device, making traditional authentication methods less reliable and forcing manufacturers to explore alternative solutions" — Ming-Chi Kuo, TF International Securities analyst
The Analysis
Apple's potential return to fingerprint authentication in foldables highlights the practical challenges facing biometric security in new form factors. Face ID requires precise camera positioning and unobstructed facial access, conditions that become complicated when devices bend, fold, or operate in multiple orientations simultaneously. **Touch ID offers consistent reliability regardless of device position or folding state.**
The iPad-style split-screen functionality represents Apple's strategy to differentiate its foldable from existing Android alternatives. Current foldable devices often struggle with app optimization, displaying phone apps stretched awkwardly across larger screens rather than providing meaningful multitasking capabilities. Apple's approach would leverage existing iPadOS technologies, including Stage Manager and enhanced multitasking frameworks introduced in iPadOS 16.
Developer tools for larger layouts signal Apple's commitment to creating a comprehensive ecosystem for foldable apps. The company plans to extend its existing size classes framework, allowing developers to create responsive layouts that adapt seamlessly between folded and unfolded states. This approach mirrors Apple's iPad Pro strategy, where professional applications like Photoshop and Final Cut Pro offer desktop-class functionality on mobile hardware.
What Comes Next
Industry sources suggest Apple's foldable iPhone could debut in late 2026 or early 2027, coinciding with the company's typical September launch window. The device would likely command a premium price point, potentially starting around $2,500 based on current foldable market pricing and Apple's historical positioning strategies.
Manufacturing partnerships with display suppliers like Samsung Display and BOE Technology remain crucial for Apple's foldable timeline. The company requires displays capable of withstanding 200,000 fold cycles while maintaining color accuracy and touch sensitivity across the crease area. Recent advances in ultra-thin glass and improved hinge mechanisms have addressed many early durability concerns that delayed Apple's initial foldable plans.
**The success of Apple's foldable will largely depend on software optimization and developer adoption.** Unlike hardware specifications that can be quickly copied, Apple's integrated approach combining custom silicon, optimized operating system features, and comprehensive developer frameworks creates sustainable competitive advantages that have historically defined successful Apple product categories.