Apple’s iPhone 18 series has been reported to be accompanied by the technology giant’s first foldable iPhone, with the company planning a host of design elements to make the device stand out from the competition. Unfortunately, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had previously commented that due to complications, the foldable iPhone will not feature Face ID and will instead rely on a side-mounted Touch ID sensor for authentication purposes. It has been several months since he commented on this specification, and since then, he has not wavered from this prediction, despite some rumors doing their rounds, claiming that the foldable iPhone will be treated to an under-screen fingerprint scanner.
Analyst shares which Apple supplier will be responsible for providing the Touch ID sensor for the foldable iPhone, pretty much confirming that the flagship will ship without Face ID
Prior to the foldable iPhone’s launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, there will be a ton of rumors surrounding its features, but Kuo appears adamant that the device will not sport any Face ID hardware. In fact, his previous prediction talking about the adoption of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor was six months old, and the fact that he has not budged an inch about that prediction suggests that he might be right about this change. Kuo also states that Luxshare, one of Apple’s well-known suppliers, will be tasked with providing this specific component.
The lack of an in-screen fingerprint ultrasonic sensor on the foldable iPhone could be due to accuracy issues. Such biometric additions fail to authenticate if there is some form of barrier on the finger, such as a glove or water, which would make for a frustrating experience. Also, since the foldable iPhone is rumored to sport a book-style form factor like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, it would require two displays instead of one. The presence of two screens will mean that Apple will have to add two fingerprint sensors instead of one, making the side-mounted Touch ID sensor a better alternative.
Furthermore, Apple has been incorporating its Touch ID sensors on existing products like the iPad Air for years, and with its existing supply chain already present, the procurement of this component for the foldable iPhone will be less costly compared to setting up an entire production line for the under-display fingerprint sensor.
News Source: Ming-Chi Kuo
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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