Could Apple’s foldable iPhone break tradition by skipping Face ID? A recent leak says yes—and it might be a strategic move to keep the cost down.

As tech enthusiasts eagerly await Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market, a surprising twist in the rumor mill has everyone talking. A new leak suggests that Apple may forgo Face ID in its upcoming foldable iPhone, opting instead for Touch ID or an under-display fingerprint scanner to balance design limitations and manufacturing costs.

But why would Apple ditch one of its signature features? And what does it mean for the foldable iPhone’s user experience, market positioning, and price tag?

Let’s dive deeper into what’s being reported, how it ties into Apple’s hardware strategy, and what it could mean for the future of foldable devices.

Apple’s Foldable iPhone: A Cost-Driven Design Shift?

Face ID May Not Fit Foldable Form Factor

According to a leak from Instant Digital, a known tech tipster on Weibo, Apple is exploring the possibility of excluding Face ID from its foldable iPhone—citing high costs and design constraints. Face ID relies on a complex hardware array, including:

• Infrared emitter

• Flood illuminator

• TrueDepth camera system

These components must be precisely embedded into the screen. Think of the Dynamic Island found on newer iPhones—an elegant workaround that houses the Face ID system in a pill-shaped cutout. But when it comes to foldables, this system becomes problematic.

Face ID would need to exist on both the internal and external displays of a foldable device to maintain usability—significantly increasing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Touch ID Makes a Comeback?

To maintain a competitive price point and avoid structural compromises, Apple may reintroduce Touch ID—possibly integrated into the power button or under the display.

This would mirror approaches used by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series and Huawei’s Mate X, which prioritize compact biometrics to fit within a flexible form factor.

Why Apple Is Taking Its Time With Foldables

Apple’s delay in entering the foldable phone arena isn’t just about perfecting the display hinge. It’s about user experience, durability, and brand consistency.

Unlike Android manufacturers that embraced foldables early on, Apple has taken a more methodical approach, reportedly testing prototypes for years.

Key Challenges Apple Wants to Solve

• Visible creases on foldable displays

• Compromised battery life due to dual screens

• Long-term durability of flexible OLED panels

• Maintaining flagship-level performance and camera quality

Skipping Face ID might be part of Apple’s broader plan to simplify its first-generation foldable iPhone while staying competitive in terms of pricing and production efficiency.

What This Means for iPhone Users

While Face ID has become synonymous with modern iPhones, its omission from the foldable model may not be a dealbreaker—especially if it means a lower price point and a slimmer, more refined design.

But this move could create a divergent user experience across Apple’s lineup, which may lead to some user resistance. Apple loyalists may not be quick to accept the absence of a feature that’s become integral to their daily usage, especially in terms of security, speed, and authentication.

However, this could also open the door to:

• A price-friendly foldable compared to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold

• Wider adoption of fingerprint biometrics in future iPhones

• Enhanced battery performance by cutting down on power-hungry sensors

Should You Believe the Leak?

While the Weibo source has previously shared accurate leaks, this report should be treated as preliminary information. Until more reliable sources or official Apple announcements confirm the news, everything remains speculative.

That said, multiple industry analysts have hinted that Apple is indeed working on multiple foldable prototypes—some as phones, others as tablets or hybrid devices.

Conclusion: A Foldable iPhone Without Face ID? Maybe, and That’s Not a Bad Thing

Apple’s rumored decision to drop Face ID from its foldable iPhone may signal a shift in priorities—from premium aesthetics to practical engineering and affordability. As the company refines its approach to foldables, we may see a balanced device that retains Apple’s signature polish while making some trade-offs.

While it may disappoint some fans, Apple’s choice could be the smart play for a first-gen foldable launch—with performance, display tech, and ecosystem integration taking the lead.

FAQs

Is Apple releasing a foldable iPhone?
Yes, multiple reports confirm that Apple is developing a foldable iPhone, though an official release date has not yet been announced.

When can we expect a foldable iPhone?
Rumors suggest a possible launch between late 2025 and 2026, but delays are possible due to engineering challenges.

Will the foldable iPhone support Face ID?
It’s currently rumored that Face ID may be omitted in favor of Touch ID or fingerprint recognition to reduce costs and complexity.

What is the iPhone 17 release date?
The iPhone 17 is expected to launch in September 2025, following Apple’s usual annual cycle.

What could be the price of the foldable iPhone?
Estimates suggest a starting price range of $1,500–$2,000, depending on specs and features.

Is the iPhone Flip real?
While “iPhone Flip” isn’t an official name, Apple is testing foldable prototypes that may adopt a clamshell or book-style design.

Will the iPhone 18 be foldable?
There’s no confirmation yet. Apple may wait until after launching the first-gen foldable to assess demand before integrating it into the mainline series.

Are Android foldables better than iPhones right now?
In terms of foldables, Android leads the market, but Apple’s strength lies in ecosystem consistency and software longevity.