Foldable iPhone Could Bring Back Touch ID in 2026

Apple may finally give foldable fans what they’ve been waiting for, and it’s bringing a familiar feature along for the ride. The long-rumored foldable iPhone, expected to launch in 2026, is now tipped to revive Touch ID, a feature Apple has largely shelved in favor of Face ID since the iPhone X.

Apple’s foldable iPhone may include Touch ID

The report, first floated by Bloomberg, suggests Apple is considering a return to Touch ID on its first foldable iPhone. That would mark the first reappearance of the fingerprint tech since 2022’s iPhone SE. The reasons behind this throwback aren’t confirmed, but it wouldn’t be the first time Apple has revived older hardware when it fits a new form. Think MagSafe, first seen on MacBooks, then reborn for iPhones in 2020.

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A more seamless display is in the works

Foldable phones tend to expose their technical compromises, especially in the screen. Apple reportedly scrapped its plan to use on-cell touch sensors, which would have added a noticeable layer to the display. Instead, it’s leaning into in-cell tech, integrating the sensors directly into the screen. That should keep the foldable thinner and reduce visual disruption from the crease, a known sore spot in rival foldables.

Expected foldable iPhone features

The device is rumored to pack some serious hardware despite its slim form:

• Four-camera setup
• In-cell display panel
• Color options: white, black, light blue, light gold
• Foldable hinge with reduced crease visibility

It’s part of a three-year roadmap for iPhone redesigns. Apple seems to be staggering the innovations, starting with a possible ultra-thin “iPhone Air” expected at this year’s event, which might feature just a single camera and a pared-down A19 chip.

Not this year, but not far off

Although all eyes are on Apple’s 2025 keynote next month, don’t expect a foldable reveal just yet. The company’s first bendable device is still reportedly a year out. Still, the return of Touch ID and the move toward thinner, smarter hardware signal that Apple’s preparing to go head-to-head with Samsung and others in the foldable space.

If the rumor holds, 2026 could be the year iPhones bend and your fingerprint makes a comeback.