Foldable iPhone to Feature Side-Button Touch ID, Not Under-Display [Kuo]
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Posted September 1, 2025 at 2:51pm by iClarified
TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is reiterating his prediction that Apple's first foldable iPhone will feature a side-button Touch ID, pushing back on market rumors that the company might opt for an under-display fingerprint sensor. Kuo also named Luxshare ICT as the likely supplier for the Touch ID module.
In a post on X, Kuo said he remains confident in his forecast from six months ago, which first suggested the foldable would bring back Touch ID. While some recent chatter has pointed to a more advanced under-display ultrasonic sensor, Kuo believes that is unlikely.
Six months ago, I predicted the foldable iPhone would use side-button Touch ID. There are now market rumors that it will adopt an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, but I think that's unlikely. It's expected that Luxshare ICT will supply the side-button Touch ID module for the foldable iPhone.
The decision to use a side-button Touch ID is reportedly driven by the foldable's design constraints, where internal space and thickness limitations may make it difficult to include the full Face ID sensor array. This aligns with other recent rumors that also suggested the device would not include 3D facial recognition.
Kuo previously detailed other potential hardware specs for the device, including a book-style design with a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer screen. He has also pointed to a titanium alloy casing and an advanced hinge made from metallic glass.
The foldable iPhone is still expected to enter mass production in late 2026, a timeline that fits with a previously leaked product roadmap. Initial shipment forecasts for the device are around 3 to 5 million units.