Every other day, we’re receiving new information on the upcoming foldable iPhone. As per the latest news, the iPhone Fold may not have Face ID. Instead, Apple might revert to the older Touch ID method of authentication.
As per a post from DigitalChatSection on Weibo, the device will still have an under-display front camera system. However, there’s a chance that it was unable to properly integrate all the components under the display. As a result, the company might still hide the front camera sensor under the screen, but remove Face ID entirely.
Face ID is a highly complex technology, involving a True Depth sensor, an infrared sensor, dot projector, flood illuminator, etc. While the iPhone Fold will not feature all these components under the display, Apple will likely include the front camera sensor, speaker, mic, and proximity sensor. These components are necessary for basic functionality, like calls.
While leaks from yesterday described the resolution and screen sizes, they claimed that the front of the device would use “under-screen” cameras. The leak didn’t specify anything about integration of the Face ID components. We recently covered the leaked information that the foldable iPhone may feature a 7.76-inch display size.
The new leak also aligns with information from the renowned tipster, Ming-Chi Kuo. He claims that it’s an AI-driven phone, so it’ll assist with productivity and multitasking using Apple Intelligence. The iPhone Fold will apparently also cross the $2000 price mark, and Touch ID might fully make a return to iPhones.
Since Face ID requires several components working together without an unstructured view of your face, it may not be possible to put it under the display yet. Under-display camera solutions have poor image quality, they don’t work as well in as much light, and may cause distortion. This is not ideal for Face ID. Infrared light transmission is another major issue, and it’s unlikely to get an iPhone with zero interruptions and Face ID both, until Apple figures out a solution for this. As per leaked display progression timelines, the iPhone 18 Pro next year might feature an under-display Face ID system and an uninterrupted screen.
DCS also mentions an 18.8″ foldable, which will debut later as a foldable iPad model. It apparently uses a metal super-structure lens that allows Apple to place the Face ID components entirely under the display. Estimates for the release date of this product are in 2028. We don’t know if Apple will be able to get the technology ready by then.
According to Instant Digital, the iPhone Fold may start between $2100 and $2300. This costs a few hundred dollars more than Samsung’s Z Fold 6, which starts at $1900.
