iPhone Fold does without Face ID – here's why

There have been rumors about a foldable iPhone for years. Now the evidence is mounting: Apple is indeed working on a device with a foldable display – the so-called iPhone Fold. New details from the supply chain reveal how the smartphone might be constructed and why Face ID probably won't be included.

Foldable smartphones are nothing new. Samsung, Huawei, and others have been on the market for some time. Apple has remained quiet so far, but has apparently been working behind the scenes on its own foldable device for some time. As usual, the company is taking its own approach: preferring a later launch, but with a sophisticated design and reliable technology. The latest leaks provide exciting details, especially about the camera, the display, and how authentication will be handled.

Under-screen camera without Face ID

According to well-known Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, who has good connections to Chinese suppliers, the iPhone Fold will have a camera located directly below the foldable display. This means no notch, no visible camera hole, but a continuous display. While this appears modern at first glance, it has limitations. The camera under the display will not be part of the TrueDepth system that enables Face ID. This is due to a technical hurdle: Face ID's components—including the dot projector and the infrared camera—require an unobstructed view. Current displays are unable to transmit infrared light without distortion. This prevents the system from reliably detecting your face, which would compromise security and functionality. For this reason, Apple is apparently foregoing Face ID on the iPhone Fold.

Touch ID instead in the side button

As an alternative, the iPhone Fold is expected to feature a Touch ID sensor in the side button. This is already seen on some iPad models. This solution saves space inside the device while still providing an easy way to authenticate. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also believes that Apple is opting for this option in its foldable device to save valuable space.

Two displays in two sizes

According to leaks, the iPhone Fold will have two displays. When unfolded, the inner display measures approximately 7.76 inches. When closed, you'll have a 5.49-inch outer display. With this, Apple follows the design concept of book-like foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold, but will likely take a different approach to the finishing touches—typically Apple.

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Prototype with Face ID under the display in progress

Even though Face ID won't be integrated into the first iPhone Fold model, Apple is continuing to work on this technology. A technical prototype is said to already be equipped with a so-called metal lens. This could allow the components for Face ID to be located under the display. The lens is intended to help correctly transmit the necessary signals, such as infrared light, through the display. Whether this will actually be market-ready remains to be seen (via Weibo).

Apple is also testing a larger foldable device

In addition to the iPhone Fold, Apple is apparently working on a significantly larger foldable device with an 18.8-inch display diagonal. This could be a foldable iPad or a completely new device type. According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, this XXL foldable device could hit the market in 2028. Whether Face ID will be functional under the display by then remains to be seen.

Price and market launch

According to Gurman, Apple plans to release the iPhone Fold in late 2026. The starting price will be around $2,000. This clearly positions the device in the premium segment and is likely aimed at a target audience willing to pay significantly more for innovation and design.

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iPhone Fold: The start of a new device class

The iPhone Fold will do many things differently than previous iPhones. No Face ID, instead Touch ID on the side. A camera under the display, but without TrueDepth technology. Two displays for different usage scenarios. And a high price that clearly positions the device as a niche product – at least initially. For Apple fans who have been waiting for a foldable, this is still an exciting development. With the iPhone Fold, a new era of devices begins for Apple, even if they initially have to make some technical compromises. (Photo by sabelskaya / Bigstockphoto)