Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, is set to reintroduce Touch ID for user authentication, moving away from the Face ID system used in recent models. This decision stems from the device’s ultra-thin design and internal space limitations.
The iPhone Ultra will feature two displays: a smaller external screen and a larger internal one that unfolds. Integrating Face ID would necessitate two separate sensor arrays—one for each display—which isn’t feasible given the device’s slim profile. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo notes that Apple opted for Touch ID “due to thickness and internal space constraints.”
To accommodate these constraints, Apple plans to embed Touch ID into the power button, similar to the implementation in the iPad Air and iPad mini. This approach allows for efficient use of internal space while maintaining secure authentication.
While some may view the return to Touch ID as a step back, it reflects Apple’s commitment to balancing innovative design with practical functionality. The iPhone Ultra’s adoption of Touch ID highlights the challenges of integrating advanced features into increasingly compact devices.
Source: 9to5Mac
