Apple has not confirmed anything about its first foldable iPhone yet, but leaks and rumors over the past year suggest the company is working on one. Officially, Apple has only said “Who’s to say?” when questioned on its existence. Right now, very little is known about the device, including its specifications, price, or even its design. One recent rumor suggested that it could use Samsung’s crease-free displays, and now, a new one points towards the return of Touch ID.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared earlier this year that the foldable iPhone would likely use a side-button Touch ID sensor. This would mean unlocking the phone with a fingerprint on the power button, similar to what we’ve seen on some iPads. However, Kuo now says new market rumors point in a different direction. According to these rumors, Apple may instead go with an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. This type of sensor sits beneath the screen and lets users unlock the device by pressing their finger anywhere on a specific part of the display.

Apple analyst believes the side button is the way forward

Kuo himself doesn’t fully believe the under-display rumor. He explains that it is unlikely because Apple’s supplier, Luxshare ICT, is expected to provide side-button Touch ID modules for the foldable iPhone. If that is the case, Apple might stick with the side-button approach instead of going for the more advanced ultrasonic method. It also seems to make more practical sense; otherwise, Apple may have to include an under-display sensor on both sides of the foldable. Whatever happens, we’d be getting Touch ID either way.

The possibility of under-display Touch ID is great news for fans, since it would give Apple users another option besides Face ID. Apple first introduced Touch ID with the iPhone 5S, but dropped it in 2017 with the release of the iPhone X. Since then, Face ID has been the main way to unlock iPhones. The upcoming iPhone 17 also isn’t expected to feature Touch ID.

Many other smartphone makers, like Samsung and Huawei, have combined both Face ID and under-display fingerprint scanners in their devices. Apple, however, has stayed with Face ID only, but it might change once the foldable model is out. In any case, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to be released next year. The company is rumored to skip the base model iPhone 18 in 2026, and instead release the foldable iPhone alongside iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.