Apple’s foldable gamble: touch id returns to the ultra?

apple is reportedly ditching Face ID for Touch ID on its upcoming iPhone Ultra, a surprising pivot driven by crippling space constraints within the device’s foldable design. It’s a move that could significantly alter the smartphone landscape, challenging Android’s multi-factor authentication dominance.

A return to familiarity

For years, apple has championed Face ID, positioning it as the future of security. However, the Ultra’s ambitious goal of a remarkably thin – just 4.5 to 4.8mm when unfolded – presents a monumental hurdle for the complex facial recognition technology. Simply put, there’s not enough room for both the necessary components for Face ID on both displays.

The android advantage

Android manufacturers have long offered users a choice between fingerprint, facial, and pattern unlocking. This flexibility provides a layer of convenience and reliability, catering to diverse user needs and environmental conditions. apple’s insistence on a single, Face ID-only system has been a point of contention for many, particularly as the Ultra’s size suggests a serious design compromise.

A technical necessity?

While apple might argue that Face ID represents a superior security experience, the reality is far more pragmatic. The dimensions of the iPhone Air, with its thinner profile, demonstrate that a smaller form factor is achievable with a Touch ID implementation. This suggests apple’s decision isn’t about aesthetics or loyalty to a particular technology; it’s a fundamental limitation dictated by the Ultra’s design goals. The tech giant is effectively conceding ground to the established norms of smartphone security.

Battery boost and design flexibility

Furthermore, freeing up internal space could allow Apple to incorporate a significantly larger battery – rumored to be a massive 5800 mAh, dwarfing the 4400 mAh found in the Galaxy Z Fold 7 – a critical advantage in the competitive foldable market. The company could also integrate a larger vapor chamber for improved thermal management, addressing a common concern with foldable phones. It’s a shrewd trade-off, prioritizing performance and longevity over purely aesthetic innovation.

A missed opportunity?

Despite the practical rationale, the decision feels like a step backward. The continued exclusion of Touch ID from flagship iPhones, beyond the SE models, is a frustrating inconsistency. It’s a silent acknowledgement that Apple is prioritizing a singular, futuristic approach—at the expense of user choice and a familiar, functional solution. We’ll see if the iPhone Ultra can deliver on its promise, but one thing is certain: Apple’s foldable gamble hinges on a return to a feature it once considered obsolete.