Foldable iPhone to Use Side-Mounted Touch ID to Achieve Ultra-Thin Design [Rumor]

Apple's rumored foldable iPhone is coming into clearer focus, with new supply chain details pointing to a strong emphasis on keeping the device as thin as possible. According to a new post from leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple plans to skip Face ID in favor of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.



The leaker says Apple has chosen a side-mounted Touch ID sensor over Face ID or an ultrasonic under-display option. The decision appears tied to Apple's goal of minimizing overall thickness, echoing earlier reports that described the device as a "super thin" design achievement.


Prototype units are said to feature a main internal display measuring about 7.58 inches, paired with an under-panel camera (UPC) to avoid a visible notch or cutout. The outer display is expected to come in at roughly 5.25 inches and will reportedly use a more conventional hole-punch camera. The device is also tipped to include a dual-camera system with 48MP sensors.

The post also points to a "very strong" hinge design, an area Apple has reportedly focused on while working with suppliers to achieve a crease-free display. While Digital Chat Station suggests the device could help "revitalize" the foldable market next year, most analysts continue to expect Apple's first foldable to arrive in 2026.

The reported move to Touch ID runs counter to some recent rumors of under-display Face ID, but it lines up with an earlier prediction from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who said the device would feature side-button Touch ID.

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