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Apple's highly anticipated foldable iPhone is reportedly ditching Face ID in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor to achieve an ultra-thin design. According to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the $2,000 device will feature an iPad-like multitasking interface, allowing users to view apps side-by-side on a wider inner display. This strategic shift indicates that Apple is prioritizing hardware sleekness over its standard biometric array for its first entry into the foldable market.
The outer display of the foldable iPhone will mirror the size of a compact iPhone, while the inner screen adopts a wider aspect ratio reminiscent of the original Google Pixel Fold. Gurman notes that this design diverges from current foldable flagships like the Pixel Fold 10 or the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. To accommodate the exceptionally thin front panel - described previously as looking like two iPhone Airs stuck together - Apple is replacing the traditional pill-shaped Face ID housing with a small hole-punch camera.
Despite the expansive inner display, the device will not run native iPad applications. Instead, Apple is optimizing its core iOS apps to utilize the larger screen real estate by introducing a left-aligned sidebar. This software shift will also empower developers to adapt their existing iPhone apps to feel more iPad-like, enhancing productivity without fully merging the two operating systems.
Even with the removal of the standard Face ID notch, the foldable iPhone will retain Apple's signature Dynamic Island feature to track real-time events and notifications. On the hardware front, the device is expected to sport a dual rear camera system. With an estimated price tag of $2,000, Apple is positioning this foldable as an ultra-premium tier in its smartphone lineup.
My Take
The decision to revert to Touch ID for the foldable iPhone highlights Apple's strict prioritization of hardware thinness over biometric uniformity. By pricing the device at $2,000 and restricting it from running full iPad apps, Apple is carefully protecting its lucrative iPad market while testing the waters of the foldable segment. This cautious software approach ensures the foldable remains distinctly an iPhone, rather than cannibalizing tablet sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the foldable iPhone have Face ID?
No, reports indicate it will use a side-mounted Touch ID sensor because the front panel is too thin to accommodate Face ID components.
Can the iPhone Fold run iPad apps?
It will not run existing iPad apps natively, but core iPhone apps will be updated with iPad-like sidebars for better multitasking.
How much will the Apple foldable iPhone cost?
The device is expected to launch with a premium price tag of around $2,000.