Apple’s Foldable iPhone to Feature Hole-Punch Display, Skip Face ID in Favor of Touch ID: Leak

Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone is gaining momentum with fresh leaks hinting at key design and display decisions. The latest update suggests a major shift in Apple’s authentication tech—ditching Face ID in favor of Touch ID—and confirms the device will adopt a book-style foldable design, rivaling current Android contenders.

Foldable Design: Book-Style Confirmed

According to South Korean blogger yeux1122, citing sources from Chinese platform Weibo, Apple has finalized a book-style foldable for its first foldable iPhone. This aligns with earlier predictions from noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who also stated the device will feature a 7.8-inch crease-free internal display and a 5.5-inch external cover screen.

The foldable is expected to measure 9–9.5mm thick when folded and just 4.5–4.8mm when unfolded, placing it among the thinnest in its category. The display resolution is also pegged to be high-end:

• Cover Display: 2,088 x 1,422 pixels

• Main Foldable Display: 2,713 x 1,920 pixels

These specs closely match current Android flagships like the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Hole-Punch Camera and Touch ID Return

Breaking away from the Face ID system standard on iPhones since the iPhone X, Apple is expected to introduce a hole-punch front camera for its foldable, eliminating the need for a large sensor notch.

Instead, Apple plans to reintroduce Touch ID, likely embedded in the power button, similar to its implementation on iPads and MacBooks with Magic Keyboards. This move will allow for a more streamlined display experience and reduce bulk on the device’s surface area.

Foldable iPhone Could Share Features With iPhone 17 Air

Some technologies from the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, Apple’s slimmest device to date (expected to be just 5.5mm thick), may make their way into the foldable iPhone. A previously leaked spec sheet also mentions the foldable’s 4:3 aspect ratio, closely aligning it with other Android-based foldables.

Launch Timeline and Expected Pricing

Apple is reportedly targeting Q4 2026 for mass production. Pricing is expected to fall between $2,000 and $2,500, placing it in direct competition with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series and Huawei’s high-end foldables.