Kuo: Foldable iPhone to use side-button Touch ID, not under-display

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reiterated on Sept. 1, 2025 that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will use Touch ID integrated into a side-mounted power button rather than an under-display fingerprint sensor, and said component maker Luxshare ICT is expected to supply the module. Kuo reiterated his March forecast amid recent rumors suggesting an under-display ultrasonic sensor, calling those reports unlikely.

Kuo said in a post on X that his original prediction stood: "Six months ago, I predicted the foldable iPhone would use sidebutton Touch ID." He added that while there are "market rumors that it will adopt an underdisplay ultrasonic fingerprint sensor," he thinks that is unlikely and expects Luxshare to provide the sidebutton Touch ID module. Other analysts and reports have suggested an in-display sensor is possible, creating a split of opinion about Apple’s final design.

The side-button decision is tied to broader engineering constraints, according to Kuo and other analysts. Several reports note the depth and space demands of Apple’s Face ID TrueDepth system, and the foldable design is expected to be unusually thin when unfolded. Industry analysts say embedding two Face ID modules,...