Apple’s Foldable iPhone May Feature Face ID—With a Catch
Le futur iPhone pliable d’Apple, selon les dernières rumeurs, proposerait la reconnaissance faciale Face ID. Toutefois, des incertitudes persistent quant à son intégration effective et aux éventuels compromis techniques liés à ce nouveau format d’appareil.
Tl;dr
- Unlock method for foldable iPhone remains uncertain.
- Face ID likely only on the inner screen.
- Touch ID favored for its simplicity and design.
A New Chapter for Foldable iPhones
As speculation intensifies around the upcoming release of the much-anticipated iPhone Flip, a central question has emerged: how will users unlock this device? With industry watchers and enthusiasts eagerly awaiting further details, the debate focuses squarely on whether Apple will favor its trusted Touch ID or push ahead with advanced facial recognition.
Face ID: Promise and Limitations
Recent leaks, most notably from the figure known as « yeux1122 » on South Korea’s Naver platform, have added fuel to these discussions. According to this leaker, integrating Face ID into the foldable format remains technically challenging. They note that, depending on developments in the improved inner display and integrated design, Face ID could make an appearance—but only on the main interior screen. The external 5.5-inch front display is expected to feature just a punch-hole camera, without the complex IR scanner and projector required for full-fledged Face ID functionality. As such, users may find themselves limited if they wish to unlock their phone quickly from the outside.
The Case for Touch ID
Given these hurdles, many observers see a return to Touch ID as both pragmatic and user-friendly—especially since current leading foldables have already embraced fingerprint sensors for their seamlessness and minimal impact on design. This approach would likely involve embedding Touch ID into the power button, making quick unlocks possible without needing elaborate facial recognition hardware on both screens.
Several elements explain why Apple might take this path:
Nonetheless, Apple’s ambitions extend beyond mere convenience. Speculation persists about potential innovations like under-display cameras—features not yet seen in any other Apple product—which could differentiate the iPhone Flip from its competitors.
Differentiation Will Be Key
With rumors suggesting that pricing could soar above $2000—well above many rivals—Apple faces mounting pressure to deliver distinct advantages that justify such a premium. As it stands, neither Face ID nor Touch ID alone seems enough to sway buyers at this level. If Apple wants its first foldable iPhone to stand apart, it will need more than familiar unlocking methods; innovation may prove essential if it hopes to redefine what a foldable smartphone can offer.