Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) first foldable iPhone could deliver one of its boldest design changes yet — but getting there may require the company to resurrect an old technology and sacrifice some of its most recognizable premium features.
Foldable iPhone May Trade Face ID for Touch ID
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone at its Sept. 9 event, with reports suggesting the device could be marketed as the iPhone Ultra and priced at around $2,000 or more.
The rumored device could measure just 4.5 mm thick when unfolded, creating major engineering constraints within the phone’s two slim halves.
That reportedly means there may not be enough space for Apple’s TrueDepth hardware, which powers Face ID. Instead, Apple could bring back Touch ID by embedding the fingerprint sensor in the side-mounted power button.
Foldable iPhone Could Sacrifice Telephoto Camera
The compromises may extend to photography. Reports suggest the foldable could feature two 48MP rear cameras — wide and ultrawide — rather than the three-camera setup found on Apple’s Pro models.
That would leave the device without a dedicated telephoto lens. Apple has already left the telephoto camera off the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone Air.
However, with the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max retaining telephoto lenses, the rumored iPhone Ultra could fall short of Apple’s top-tier iPhones in photography.
Other rumored omissions include a physical SIM tray, Action Button and possibly MagSafe, although some of those details remain uncertain.
Notably, Apple analyst Mark Gurman told Tom’s Guide that all indications point to the foldable iPhone retaining MagSafe.
Is Apple Betting on Design Over Specs
Analysts see the iPhone Ultra as a design-first compromise, with Apple betting that its slim, crease-resistant build and premium foldable experience will matter more to buyers than the Pro features it leaves out.
Previously, in his “Power On” newsletter, Gurman said early testers have praised the rumored iPhone Ultra’s pocketability, durable hinge and larger-screen app experience.
However, the lack of a telephoto camera and Face ID could limit its appeal despite its premium positioning.
Price Action: Apple shares closed at $316.22, down 1.17% on Tuesday, while the stock edged up 0.04% to $316.35 in after-hours trading, according to Benzinga Pro.
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings rank Apple in the 97th percentile for Quality, reflecting its strong short-, medium- and long-term performance.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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