Apple will reportedly bring back Touch ID on a foldable iPhone

Key Takeaways:

• Apple’s foldable iPhone is rumored to launch after the upcoming 2025 iPhone release
• The new device may reintroduce Touch ID, absent since the third-generation SE
• Apple pivoted to in-cell touch technology for a thinner and more seamless display
• Four cameras and multiple color options (white, black, light blue, and light gold) are expected
• An iPhone Air with a single camera and A19 chip may also appear this year

Apple’s Redesign Ambitions

Apple’s lineup appears poised for bold innovation, as reports point to a foldable iPhone debuting next year. The move takes a page from competing Android devices that have embraced foldable screens, while also marking a departure from Apple’s traditional iPhone design cycle.

Touch ID Makes a Comeback

Touch ID last made headlines with the third-generation iPhone SE, after which Apple shifted its focus to Face ID for most devices. Now, rumors suggest the company could revert to fingerprint-based security for the foldable iPhone, though no clear reason has been confirmed. It’s reminiscent of Apple’s approach to its MagSafe charging line, which it revived for the iPhone 12 after using it on MacBooks.

Design Choices: On-Cell vs. In-Cell

According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple initially considered on-cell touch sensors for its foldable device but later changed to an in-cell design. In-cell technology integrates touch sensors directly into the display rather than adding a separate layer on top, helping create a thinner overall phone. This design choice could be especially important for a foldable device, where minimizing screen crease and thickness proves challenging.

Rumored Features and Color Options

Beyond Touch ID, the foldable iPhone could arrive with four cameras, potentially elevating its photography capabilities. Colors such as white, black, light blue, and light gold may also be available, suggesting Apple’s typical range of subtle to vibrant finishes. While these details remain undoubtedly speculative, they point to a phone that blends Apple’s design sensibilities with cutting-edge engineering.

A Glimpse at This Year’s Event

Though the foldable iPhone may still be a year off, Apple’s upcoming event is not without interest. Speculation hints at the launch of an ultra-thin iPhone Air, with a single camera and a basic A19 chip. This model may offer a lighter, more streamlined option for users.

Conclusion

If these rumors hold true, Apple’s upcoming releases represent not just a design evolution but also a return to tried-and-true features like Touch ID. By combining classic functionality with new display technology, Apple may be on track to reshape its lineup and feed the growing demand for foldable smartphones.