Apple might bring back a familiar feature with its rumored foldable iPhone. Whispers suggest a folding iPhone could arrive in 2026. This new device might include Touch ID, the popular fingerprint scanner. Many users have missed Touch ID since it left most newer iPhones. Bloomberg recently backed up these claims. They reported Touch ID’s return for the 2026 foldable model. This move fits into Apple’s plans to refresh iPhone designs over the next three years.
Bringing back an older feature raises some eyebrows. Apple has relied on Face ID for years now. The reasons for this switch aren’t entirely clear yet. The third-generation iPhone SE was the last model to feature Touch ID, released just a few years ago. Apple has done this before, blending old with new. They reintroduced MagSafe for wireless charging with the iPhone 12. MagSafe was a well-known feature from their MacBook lineup before that.
Developing a foldable screen comes with its own technical puzzles. Bloomberg also shed light on Apple’s screen sensor choices. Initially, Apple considered on-cell touch sensors for new iPhones. Now, it seems they are leaning towards in-cell technology instead. In-cell sensors are already inside current iPhone displays. On-cell, however, adds a separate layer on top of the screen. This extra layer makes the device thicker. Thickness can be a real problem for foldable phones, especially around the screen’s bend. Using in-cell could help keep the foldable iPhone sleek.
Beyond the folding screen and Touch ID, the 2026 foldable iPhone promises more. It’s expected to sport four cameras. Users might also get a choice of several colors. These include white, black, light blue, and light gold. While the foldable iPhone is still a rumor, other exciting products might appear sooner. The 2025 annual iPhone launch event could introduce the iPhone Air. This rumored phone aims to be super thin and light. It’s expected to feature just one camera and run on the standard A19 chip.