Apple may be bringing Touch ID back to a flagship iPhone for the first time since iPhone X introduced Face ID in 2017. But this isn't the Home button resurrection you might expect.
According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's first foldable iPhone will skip Face ID entirely in favor of Touch ID integrated into the side button – similar to the design found on current iPad Air and iPad mini models. The choice appears driven by space constraints rather than fingerprint sensor nostalgia.
Expected in 2026, the foldable device will reportedly feature a book-style design with a 5.5-inch outer display and a larger 7.8-inch inner screen when unfolded. Apple is targeting a remarkably thin 4.5 to 4.8mm profile when opened, which explains the need to eliminate Face ID's bulky sensor array.
Other rumored features include a titanium chassis with liquid metal hinges, dual 48-megapixel rear cameras, and high-density battery cells for improved power efficiency. The device will reportedly be virtually crease-free thanks to a special metal plate that disperses bending stress.
Touch ID side button integration in the iPad Air
Mass production is planned for the second half of 2026, with pricing expected between $1,800 and $2,500 – potentially making it Apple's most expensive iPhone ever.
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, released alongside the iPhone X, were the last flagship iPhone models to feature Touch ID, while the third-generation iPhone SE was the last of any iPhone model to include Touch ID, and it was discontinued in February 2025.
Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall.
At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging."
Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup.
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We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...
Tuesday August 26, 2025 4:17 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Apple today announced its "Awe Dropping" iPhone-centric event, which is set to take place on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. There are a long list of products that are coming, but we thought we'd pull out five feature highlights to look forward to.
That Super Thin iPhone - Apple's September 9 event will see the unveiling of the first redesigned iPhone we've had in years, ...
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
