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Apple’s iPhone Fold — no in-display fingerprint, analyst says
Apple’s first foldable iPhone, widely referred to as the iPhone Fold, is expected to launch in late 2026 after years of speculation. Renowned Apple supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has pushed back against recent rumors that the device will feature an in-display fingerprint scanner. Instead, Kuo claims Apple will use a side-mounted capacitive Touch ID sensor supplied by Luxshare ICT.
What Kuo reported and the embedded signal
In a post shared on X, Kuo dismissed market chatter about an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and reiterated his earlier prediction that Apple will opt for a physical side-button Touch ID module. According to the analyst, Luxshare ICT has already been selected as a supplier for the side-mounted sensor.
Product features: what to expect from iPhone Fold
The iPhone Fold is rumored to combine a 7.8-inch internal folding OLED display with a 5.5-inch cover screen. Key expected specifications and features based on current leaks and industry context include:
- Biometric authentication via side-mounted capacitive Touch ID (not under-display)
- Large 7.8-inch foldable main screen for tablet-like productivity
- 5.5-inch external cover screen for quick access and notifications
- Premium materials and hinge design focused on durability for repeated folds
- High-end chipset and camera systems comparable to flagship iPhone models
Why side-button Touch ID makes sense
Implementing an under-display fingerprint system on a foldable phone introduces complexity: the iPhone Fold would require biometric sensors for both the main folding panel and the cover display. Apple’s current Touch ID implementations for some iPad models use side-mounted sensors, and a capacitive side button reduces engineering trade-offs tied to flexible OLED layers, folding mechanics, and ultrasonic sensor placement.
Comparison: side-mounted Touch ID vs. in-display sensors
Comparing authentication approaches highlights trade-offs that likely influenced Apple’s decision:
- Side-mounted Touch ID: reliable, mature, easier to integrate with existing Touch ID branding, lower risk with foldable hinge mechanics.
- In-display ultrasonic/optical fingerprint: seamless on flat phones, but more complex for dual-screen foldables and potentially costlier to validate across both displays.
Advantages and use cases
Choosing a side-mounted capacitive sensor offers several advantages for real users and enterprise applications:
- Fast, tactile biometric access when opening or holding the device
- Better reliability in scenarios where the external display is used while folded
- Simpler repair and replacement procedures compared with under-display modules
Market relevance and pricing
The iPhone Fold is positioned to shake up the foldable smartphone market by bringing Apple’s ecosystem and iOS experience to a foldable format. However, high production costs and premium positioning may limit adoption: current price rumors point to a $2,000–$2,500 MSRP, which could make the device a niche, early-adopter product rather than a mainstream seller at launch.
Final thoughts
Apple’s decision to use a side-mounted Touch ID module—likely supplied by Luxshare ICT—reflects practical engineering and ecosystem continuity. For consumers and enterprises evaluating foldable devices, the iPhone Fold promises a polished iOS experience and robust biometrics, even if it forgoes the novelty of under-display fingerprint scanners. As with all pre-release information, expect changes until Apple’s official reveal, but current supply-chain insights make the side-button Touch ID a believable, pragmatic choice.
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