Touch ID coming to iPhone Ultra this fall, hereโs why
This fall, Apple is launching a new foldable iPhone that rumors say will be called iPhone Ultra . And one of the more curious features of iPhone Ultra is the use of Touch ID instead of Face ID. Hereโโฆ
This fall, Apple is launching a new foldable iPhone that rumors say will be called iPhone Ultra . And one of the more curious features of iPhone Ultra
Read Full Story at 9to5Mac โWhy This Matters
The shift from Face ID to Touch ID in Appleโs rumored iPhone Ultra signals more than just a hardware changeโit reflects a strategic pivot in how the company balances innovation with accessibility. For users concerned about biometric privacy or those who prefer the tactile familiarity of fingerprint scanning, this could redefine mainstream smartphone design preferences for years to come.
Background Context
Appleโs reliance on Face ID since the iPhone X in 2017 has been a cornerstone of its premium branding, but the technologyโs limitationsโsuch as sensitivity to masks or poor lightingโhave fueled niche demand for alternative authentication. Meanwhile, Touch IDโs return, despite being phased out in flagship models, has persisted in lower-cost devices and accessories like the iPhone SE, proving its enduring appeal in some markets.
What Happens Next
If Apple ships the iPhone Ultra with Touch ID, competitors like Samsung and Google may reassess their own biometric strategies, potentially accelerating foldable phone adoption or hybrid authentication systems. Regulatory scrutiny over biometric data collection could also intensify, especially if Apple markets the feature as a privacy-forward alternative to facial recognition.
Bigger Picture
This move aligns with a broader industry trend toward modular and user-customizable devices, where hardware choices cater to diverse needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. It also underscores Appleโs willingness to revisit past solutions when they align with evolving consumer priorities, a pattern seen in the resurgence of MagSafe and the reintroduction of physical keyboards in laptops.

