As anticipation builds for Apple's rumored entry into the foldable smartphone market, a flurry of new leaks has provided the clearest picture yet of the device's potential design and a significant compromise in its biometric security. Despite facing legal action from Apple for previous leaks, a prominent tech YouTuber has doubled down, releasing detailed 3D renders of the purported device. Concurrently, a separate report suggests a major departure from Apple's flagship security standard, indicating the foldable iPhone may launch without Face ID, a cornerstone feature of modern iPhones. This synthesis of recent information paints a complex portrait of Apple's ambitious, yet potentially constrained, foldable vision.
Detailed Renders Emerge Amid Legal Controversy
On the U.S. holiday of Christmas Eve, YouTuber and leaker Jon Prosser, who is currently being sued by Apple, released a video featuring high-quality 3D renders of what he claims is the upcoming foldable iPhone. The renders depict a book-style device with a prominent oblong camera plateau on the rear, housing dual cameras, reminiscent of the design language seen on the iPhone Air. Prosser specifies that the device will feature a 5.5-inch external display with a hole-punch camera and a 7.8-inch internal foldable screen, also with a hole-punch camera. When closed, the phone is said to be 9mm thick, making each half approximately 4.5mm—potentially thinner than the already-slim iPhone Air. This visual leak, while unconfirmed, offers the public a tangible glimpse of a product Apple has kept tightly under wraps.
Reported Foldable iPhone Specifications (Per Leaks):
- Form Factor: Book-style (clamshell) fold.
- External Display: 5.5-inch with hole-punch camera.
- Internal Display: 7.8-inch foldable screen with hole-punch camera.
- Thickness: 9mm when closed (~4.5mm per side).
- Rear Cameras: Dual-camera system on an oblong "camera plateau."
- Biometric Security: Side-mounted power button with integrated Touch ID (Face ID reportedly absent).
- Potential Launch: Fall 2026, alongside iPhone 18 series.
- Estimated Starting Price: Over USD 2,000.
A Major Compromise: The Absence of Face ID
In a significant development, a separate leak has reconfirmed that the foldable iPhone will not include Apple's Face ID facial recognition system. The reason cited is a fundamental engineering challenge: the complex array of sensors and dot projectors required for Face ID cannot fit within the slim chassis of the foldable device. This omission represents a notable step back for a flagship Apple product, as Face ID has been the primary biometric security method on iPhones since the iPhone X in 2017. The lack of this feature forces Apple to seek an alternative for user authentication on its most advanced phone yet.
Touch ID Makes a Surprising Comeback
With Face ID ruled out, Apple is reportedly turning to an old friend: Touch ID. However, the implementation is expected to be different from the home-button sensors of iPhones past. According to the leaks, the most likely solution is integrating a fingerprint scanner directly into the side-mounted power button. This design choice allows Apple to maintain a form of convenient biometric security without requiring the internal space of an under-display sensor, which is also reported to be unfeasible. For some users, this return to fingerprint-based unlocking may be a welcome change, offering a quick and reliable method that works in various lighting conditions and without requiring the user to look directly at the phone.
Comparison of Biometric Systems:
| Feature | Face ID (Current iPhones) | Reported Foldable iPhone Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | 3D facial recognition via TrueDepth camera. | Fingerprint scanner (Touch ID). |
| Location | Front-facing "notch" or "Dynamic Island." | Integrated into the side power button. |
| Primary Advantage | Hands-free, seamless authentication. | Works without direct line-of-sight, in darkness, or with masks. |
| Reported Reason for Change | N/A (standard on current flagships). | Sensor array cannot fit in the thin foldable chassis. |
Market Context and Consumer Skepticism
The potential launch of a foldable iPhone comes at a curious time for Apple's experimental product lines. The article references the iPhone Air, described as a "commercial failure" with sales reportedly lagging behind standard iPhone 17 models. This precedent raises questions about consumer appetite for niche, high-priced Apple hardware. A foldable iPhone is expected to carry an exorbitant price tag, potentially starting at over USD 2,000. While the novelty and functionality of a larger, iPad-like screen in a pocketable device are compelling, Apple must convince consumers of its value over traditional, proven slab-style phones. The success of this device is not guaranteed, as history has shown with the iPhone mini and iPhone Plus models.
The Unanswered Questions and Final Outlook
Several key details remain shrouded in mystery. While earlier reports suggested Apple had made breakthroughs in minimizing the visible crease on foldable displays, the latest leaks do not confirm this, leaving a major user experience question unanswered. Furthermore, the final screen dimensions and aspect ratio are still contested, with some reports suggesting a smaller external display. The device's intended use case—positioned as a phone that is primarily used unfolded for an iPad-like experience—will also challenge user habits. As the rumored launch window of fall 2026 approaches, these leaks provide an intriguing, if incomplete, preview. The foldable iPhone shapes up to be a bold experiment for Apple, blending cutting-edge form factor with surprising technical compromises.