Apple May Ditch Face ID for Touch ID in Ultra-Thin Foldable iPhone

Leaked dummy units of Apple's anticipated foldable iPhone indicate the company may be willing to sacrifice Face ID technology in favour of Touch ID as it pursues an ultra-thin design, according to design specifications circulating among technology analysts. The move would represent a notable reversal for Apple, which has prominently featured facial recognition since introducing Face ID on the iPhone X in 2017.

The design compromises extend beyond biometric authentication. The physical control layout on the prototype unit shows the volume rocker repositioned near the top of the device, rather than its conventional placement along the middle of the side bezel. This unusual arrangement suggests Apple is fundamentally rethinking the device's ergonomic layout to achieve its thinness goals.

The shift towards Touch ID could address durability and reliability challenges that arise when cramming components into an increasingly compact space. Face ID's array of sensors and infrared systems requires substantial depth within the device chassis, making it difficult to reconcile with ultra-thin foldable form factors. Fingerprint sensors, by contrast, occupy considerably less internal real estate.

Apple has not officially announced a foldable iPhone, and the company typically keeps hardware innovations under strict confidentiality. The prototype specifications remain unconfirmed, and production timelines for any such device remain unclear. Competitors including Samsung and Huawei have already launched foldable smartphones with conventional authentication systems.