Amidst the swirling sea of rumors, Ming-Chi Kuo stands firm on his forecast regarding the upcoming foldable iPhone: the inaugural model, expected in 2026, is likely to feature Touch ID in the side button, rather than an under-screen sensor.
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Driven by Design Considerations
In a recent post on X, Ming-Chi Kuo reaffirms his March prediction, deeming it unlikely that Apple will opt for an under-screen ultrasonic sensor, despite recent speculations suggesting otherwise. He believes Apple will prefer to place it on the side button, similar to some iPad models. According to him, Luxshare ICT is the likely supplier of the Touch ID module for this future device.
One cited reason is the optimization of internal space: Apple might skip Face ID to maintain a slimmer, more compact design when the iPhone is folded. This approach isn’t new, as both the iPad Air and iPad mini already utilize Touch ID integrated into the side button.
A “Book-Like” Folding Design with a Hefty Price Tag
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the foldable iPhone would feature a book-style design, with a large internal display of about 7.8 inches and an external screen of 5.5 inches. Its launch price would be between $2,000 and $2,500, positioning the device in the ultra-premium segment.
In terms of photography, Apple plans to include a dual rear camera setup, as well as a front camera usable in both folded and unfolded modes. Additionally, the iPhone fold would incorporate Apple’s second-generation C2 modem. However, it would not have a slot for a physical SIM card, affirming the commitment to using eSIM as the sole standard.
Regarding the timeline, there’s some confusion in the forecasts. On one hand, Ming-Chi Kuo and analyst Jeff Pu predict mass production to start in the second half of 2026. On the other, Mark Gurman (Bloomberg) suggests a launch the following year, likely in fall 2027, adding some uncertainty to the exact schedule.