Apple to Bring Back Touch ID on Foldable iPhone in 2026
Apple is rumored to be preparing its first foldable iPhone for launch in 2026. For iPhone users who have been watching foldable Android models rise in popularity, the wait may finally be over. According to Bloomberg, the device could arrive as part of Apple’s multi-year redesign strategy.
Surprisingly, this foldable iPhone may bring back a familiar feature: Touch ID. The last iPhone to use Touch ID was the third-generation iPhone SE, as Apple shifted to Face ID in most of its models. Why Apple would revert to Touch ID is not entirely clear. Still, the company has previously revived older features, such as MagSafe charging with the iPhone 12 after its earlier use on MacBooks.
Details on the Foldable Design
Bloomberg notes that Apple first considered on-cell touch sensors for the new model but then pivoted to in-cell technology. The difference matters for foldable devices. On-cell screens add a layer above the display, which can increase thickness and highlight display creases. In-cell designs, by contrast, integrate sensors directly into the screen for a thinner, smoother appearance.
The rumored foldable iPhone may also include four cameras and could launch in white, black, light blue, and light gold. If accurate, these features suggest Apple is aiming for both premium design and practical improvements. Although the company has not confirmed anything, the potential mix of new form factor and classic security could capture significant attention.
What to Expect Before Then
Even though the foldable iPhone is at least a year away, this year’s launch event is expected to reveal some notable changes. Reports suggest Apple may introduce the iPhone Air, a very thin device with just one camera and a basic A19 chip. While less advanced than other models, it would add variety to the lineup.
For now, fans will have to wait for Apple’s official announcements. However, the prospect of a foldable iPhone with Touch ID signals that Apple may blend nostalgia with innovation as it moves forward.
