'iPhone 15' will get in-screen Touch ID, 'iPhone Fold' arrives in 2024 says Ming-Chi Kuo

In a note to investors, noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that under-display Touch ID will arrive in 2023, plus when he's expecting the long-rumored folding iPhone.

The note, seen by AppleInsider delves into details about the financial prospects of Apple's iPhone component suppliers. However, in the note, Kuo laid out a timeline for the return of Touch ID to Apple's all-screen iPhone lineup and when he expects a folding iPhone to ship.

Kuo attributes a one-year slip for under-display Touch ID and the folding iPhone to "lower than expected development progress." However, it isn't made clear in the note what the development progress stalls are attributable to.

A 2022 iPhone SE with 5G is also discussed again, with no change in timetable from his previous reports. Also repeated are a "new and more affordable 6.7-[inch] iPhone" and a punch-hole display plus 48 megapixel camera arriving in the 2022 iPhone.

Also in the note, he says that the later-than-expected rollout of the features will "hurt iPhone shipments in 2022 and 2023."

Reports of testing Touch ID in a next-generation iPhone surfaced in January 2021, with a new in-screen optical system accompanying the existing Face ID. By March, Kuo forecast that Apple would not add Touch ID to the iPhone 13, pointing to supply chain data.

Kuo focused on the folding iPhone concept in May of 2021. At the time, he said that Apple's first foldable iPhone would have an 8-inch QHD+ display. The display is predicted to have a 3,200 x 1,800 pixel resolution. If the report is accurate, that is a higher effective resolution panel than Samsung Fold's 7.3-inch QXGA+ screen, with a 16:9 ratio.

Initially, Kuo said that Apple would manufacture between 15 million and 20 million foldable iPhone units in 2023. However, with the latest report, Kuo believes that it will be ready for the traditional iPhone season, but in the fall of 2024.

29 Comments

loopless 343 comments · 16 Years

About 3 years ago

What a waste of effort adding touch ID back in - I haven't missed it one little bit since I 'upgraded' to Face ID.

mvmaastricht 58 comments · 9 Years

Same for me. Before switching from TouchID, I was curious/skeptical. After switching, I haven’t looked back: it’s sooooo convenient to be logged in before even noticing!

Incidentally, TouchID might come in handy when your face isn’t in front, like when it’s on a table, or in your pocket before using Apple Pay. But with the latter I use my Apple Watch anyway.

FrankS 7 comments · 5 Years

Kinda ‘heard it all before’ with the rumors around iPhone 11,12,13. Add it in powerbutton if it’s that difficult. I don’t miss it, tbh.

I get that apple want to make it working flawless, and that it takes time. not like the hit and miss (literally) on several android devices

patchythepirate 1254 comments · 12 Years

In screen Touch ID will be so much better than Face ID. I like multitasking. I hate having to make sure I’m looking at the phone just right, and with my eyes open for it to unlock (I just went into my settings to turn that off, can’t believe I’ve kept it on for years, and I’m sure I’m not the only one).

The ability to do double authentication (face and finger) may be helpful for some people.

Face ID may not work well if Apple is trying to put everything behind the screen.

602warren 72 comments · 8 Years

I dont understand why people are so eager to bring touchID back. Its certainly not more secure than FaceID and its not faster than FaceID either. The only reason I could think to bring it back is some sort of double authentication process to get your Drivers License, healthcare record or other super sensitive information to pull up from the secure enclave. First you have to authenticate with FaceID then confirm with touchid? Just seems cumbersome to me.

And now that we have solved the FaceID with mask issue by using Apple Watch, TouchID is really not needed. I cant imagine too many people with an iPhone DONT have at least a Series 3 if they wanted an apple watch at this point.