Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone is expected to launch next year, but fresh reports suggest a surprising omission – no Face ID.
Instead of its signature facial recognition, Apple may ditch the tech to lower manufacturing costs for what’s already shaping up to be an ultra-premium device.
The report, translated from a Chinese source, indicates that the prototype currently in development is close to final. Apple’s decision to skip Face ID is reportedly due to the complexity of integrating the system into the foldable design, especially as the company aims to deliver what could be the industry’s most advanced display and hinge mechanism.
While Apple’s foldable may boast a near crease-free screen – a dream the company has delayed its foldable plans to achieve – that doesn’t necessarily mean it will outshine competitors. Leaks suggest Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 could beat Apple in some key display metrics, and rivals like the Oppo Find N5 and Honor Magic V5 are already offering strong specs and bigger batteries.
Still, the foldable iPhone is rumored to be a bold statement piece for Apple’s 20th anniversary. Unlike the rumored foldable, the celebratory iPhone Pro is still expected to retain Face ID – likely with no display cutouts at all. Apple seems to be prioritizing design purity over feature consistency, which may frustrate some loyal users.
Face ID has long been a hallmark of Apple’s user experience, and removing it from the foldable could feel like a downgrade for many. While some still champion Touch ID, Face ID remains a beloved feature – especially for users already deep in the Apple ecosystem.
Whether this foldable gamble pays off remains to be seen. But if Apple can truly deliver a crease-free screen and unmatched hinge durability, it may attract even the skeptics – regardless of Face ID’s absence.