Apple's Foldable iPhone to Use Touch ID Instead of Face ID

Apple is preparing to unveil its highly anticipated foldable iPhone, reportedly named the iPhone Ultra, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at an upcoming event on or around September 9. As per reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, early testers have reacted positively to its design and functionality, noting its pocket-friendly size and the robustness of its hinge mechanism.

The device features dual displays, with a 5.5-inch outer display and an approximately 7.8-inch inner display when opened, arranged in a book-like configuration. Testers have also highlighted the iPad-like layout of applications that optimises the larger screen real estate available when unfolded. It is designed to serve well in various applications, including productivity tasks, video streaming, and gaming.

Despite these positive attributes, some users have expressed reservations about the camera setup. The iPhone Ultra will reportedly include a dual-lens rear camera configuration that consists of a 48-megapixel main lens and an ultra-wide lens, but it notably lacks a telephoto lens. This omission could potentially impact sales, given the anticipated price range of between $2,000 and $2,500 for higher storage options.

In a significant shift in familiar authentication methods, the foldable iPhone will rely on Touch ID integrated into the side button instead of the more advanced Face ID technology that has become a standard in recent models. This change has been made to maintain the device's slim profile, which measures around 4.5 mm when unfolded.

The iPhone Ultra aims to compete in a growing market for foldable devices, which has seen significant interest and development. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, for instance, has broken pre-order records, showcasing a strong consumer appetite for this new form factor. Forecasts suggest that the global foldable smartphone market will experience substantial growth, with shipments expected to rise over 20% annually through 2028.

Analysts are cautiously optimistic about Apple’s entry into this segment, noting that the timing aligns well with market trends that favour book-style foldables. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning the durability of foldable technology and user adaptations to new interfaces. As more details emerge ahead of the launch, industry observers will be eager to see how Apple manages to bridge these gaps in quality and consumer acceptance.