The rumors surrounding the biometrics of Apple’s first foldable iPhone are all over the place right now. Previously, we reported that analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believed that due to design complications, the device would not feature Face ID but sport Touch ID instead, while a recent update from a known tipster claims that the handset will have an under-screen camera. Now, the same tipster stands by his earlier rumor but believes that all the components necessary for Face ID functionality will not be embedded inside the OLED panel.
No reason has been given as to why the TrueDepth camera and its components will not be placed under the foldable iPhone’s display, but it could be related to maintaining the accuracy of this biometric feature
A ton of the specifications surrounding the foldable iPhone have been disclosed by notable tipster Digital Chat Station, who has mentioned on previous occasions that the device will sport a book-style form factor while also maintaining a 4:3 aspect ratio to allow for software consistency between Apple’s iPad models. Now, he has provided an update on Weibo, stating that while the front-facing camera will be present underneath the screen, all the components that make up Face ID, which includes the TrueDepth sensor, along with the infrared red scanner, will not make the cut.
Now, this can mean one of two things; either Apple will completely forego Face ID on the foldable iPhone and offer a punch-hole cutout with a Touch ID mounted on the side like it has with its iPad Air models, or incorporate facial recognition with the components present on top of the panel. We guess that the foldable iPhone will miss out on the TrueDepth sensor and all the components that come with it because it can become tricky to add all of these sensors and more underneath the display.
Since Apple needs both sides of the foldable iPhone to be as thin as possible, it will need to conserve internal space, and that means potentially getting rid of Face ID. We can understand that readers will be livid to learn about this omission, even more so when they find out that the device in question will reportedly fetch a retail price between $2,000 and $2,500 per unit.
However, these complications would already be a headache for Apple, which is why it has taken the firm this long to enter this category. Thankfully, to increase the foldable iPhone’s durability, the company is said to employ a liquid metal hinge, which will also significantly reduce the crease’s visibility. The launch is expected to happen sometime in 2026, so remember to treat all of these rumors with a pinch of salt until you see the final commercial unit.
News Source: Digital Chat Station
