Apple to Bring Back Touch ID on Foldable iPhone
Returning to a classic feature. Apple plans to reintroduce Touch ID with its foldable iPhone, expected to be unveiled in 2026, according to Bloomberg reports. This marks the return of fingerprint authentication in a flagship iPhone for the first time since the iPhone X launched Face ID in 2017. Rather than Face ID, Touch ID will be embedded in the side button due to space constraints within the device.
The foldable design resembles a book—think of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. It’s rumored to feature a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal one when unfolded. Apple aims for a crease-free screen using technology from Samsung Display, reinforced by ultra-thin Corning glass, achieving an unfolded thickness of just 4.5–4.8 mm.
The device is expected to run on the A20 chip and include dual 48-megapixel rear cameras plus a front-facing camera. A titanium frame with a titanium-stainless steel hybrid hinge promises both durability and lightness. However, due to the advanced materials and novel design, the price is projected to be steep—between US $2,000 and $2,500—potentially making it Apple’s most expensive iPhone yet.
Apple’s choice to bring back Touch ID appears rooted in design necessity. Face ID requires bulky sensors that don’t fit into the ultra-thin foldable form. Embedding Touch ID into the side button—similar to current iPad Air and iPad mini models—is a more space-efficient solution.
Final Thought
Apple’s decision to revive Touch ID in its foldable iPhone reflects a thoughtful balance between innovation and user convenience. Rather than forcing Face ID into a design ill-suited for flexibility, they’ve opted for a more elegant biometric solution. The foldable iPhone, with its featherlight yet durable build, is poised to redefine the limits of smartphone design—and may well reset expectations for what premium truly means in mobile tech.
