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

apple is reportedly ditching Face ID for a Touch ID return on its upcoming iPhone Ultra, a surprising shift driven by crippling space constraints within the device’s design. This isn’t a nostalgic yearning for the past; it’s a pragmatic response to a fundamental engineering challenge.

A foldable face-off: the space problem

The iPhone Ultra, slated to debut as apple’s first foldable device, is aiming for a remarkably slim profile – a mere 4.5 to 4.8mm when unfolded. Achieving this level of thinness presents a significant hurdle for the complex Face ID system, particularly when considering the need for two separate sensors for the dual-display design. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, with its 4.2mm thickness, demonstrates the difficulty in balancing form and function.

Android’s lead – and apple’s lag

For years, Android phones have offered users a choice of security methods: face unlock, fingerprint sensors, and pattern recognition. apple, however, stubbornly clung to Face ID alone, a decision that has increasingly frustrated users. While the iPhone SE series continued to offer Touch ID, the Ultra’s reliance on Face ID feels like a significant step backward, especially when competitors like the Galaxy S26 Ultra now incorporate under-display fingerprint scanners.

Why touch id matters – now more than ever

The demand for Touch ID isn't a fleeting preference; it’s a genuine need. Recent polls consistently show users actively craving the tactile reassurance and speed of a physical fingerprint sensor. Many users simply find Face ID unreliable in demanding situations, like wet conditions or with gloves. It's a matter of redundancy – a critical safety net.

Battery boost – a silver lining

Despite the design compromises, the iPhone Ultra is expected to pack a substantial 5800 mAh battery, significantly larger than the 4400 mAh found in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This increase is rumored to be partially fueled by freeing up internal space previously occupied by Face ID components, a clever workaround to the hardware limitations. A move that could be a true advantage for apple.

The bottom line: a calculated retreat

apple's decision to reintroduce Touch ID on the iPhone Ultra isn’t about appealing to sentimentality. It’s a recognition that technological progress sometimes demands a return to proven solutions. It's a pragmatic admission that pushing the boundaries of miniaturization has hit a wall – and that, frankly, is disappointing. Let’s hope this isn't a sign of Apple losing its nerve, but rather a demonstration of engineering ingenuity under pressure.