Apple may be bringing Touch ID back to a flagship iPhone for the first time since iPhone X introduced Face ID in 2017. But this isn't the Home button resurrection you might expect.
According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's first foldable iPhone will skip Face ID entirely in favor of Touch ID integrated into the side button – similar to the design found on current iPad Air and iPad mini models. The choice appears driven by space constraints rather than fingerprint sensor nostalgia.
Expected in 2026, the foldable device will reportedly feature a book-style design with a 5.5-inch outer display and a larger 7.8-inch inner screen when unfolded. Apple is targeting a remarkably thin 4.5 to 4.8mm profile when opened, which explains the need to eliminate Face ID's bulky sensor array.
Other rumored features include a titanium chassis with liquid metal hinges, dual 48-megapixel rear cameras, and high-density battery cells for improved power efficiency. The device will reportedly be virtually crease-free thanks to a special metal plate that disperses bending stress.
Touch ID side button integration in the iPad Air
Mass production is planned for the second half of 2026, with pricing expected between $1,800 and $2,500 – potentially making it Apple's most expensive iPhone ever.
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, released alongside the iPhone X, were the last flagship iPhone models to feature Touch ID, while the third-generation iPhone SE was the last of any iPhone model to include Touch ID, and it was discontinued in February 2025.
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.
Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far.
iOS 26.3
iPhone to Android Transfer Tool
iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014.
This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by Joe Rossignol
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching.
In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026.
"I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:12 pm PST by Juli Clover
New M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are slated to launch in the near future, according to information shared with MacRumors by an Apple Premium Reseller.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
The third-party Apple retailer said that MacBook Pro stock is very low currently because there is an imminent new product introduction. Apple typically coordinates supply with...
