Apple's first foldable iPhone is shaping up to be a major addition to its lineup, but the premium device may arrive without two features buyers typically expect at this price point.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the foldable iPhone is on track for a September launch and could be priced above $2,000. People who have handled pre-production units have reportedly praised its slim design, hinge mechanism and large internal display.
However, Apple is expected to make compromises in two areas: the camera system and biometric authentication.
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No Telephoto Lens
One of the most notable omissions could be a telephoto camera, meaning the foldable iPhone may lack a dedicated optical zoom lens despite its expected premium price.
The absence of a telephoto lens could be seen as a compromise for a device positioned at the top end of Apple's smartphone lineup. Rival foldable phones from Samsung and Google already feature multi-camera systems that include dedicated zoom capabilities.
The large internal display is also expected to make the device useful for photography and media consumption, making the reported camera limitation a notable trade-off.
Touch ID Instead Of Face ID
The second major change could involve the device's authentication system.
Rather than Face ID, which has been the primary biometric authentication method on iPhones for years, Apple's foldable is expected to feature a fingerprint-based Touch ID sensor.
While Touch ID remains available on some Apple products, including select iPad and Mac models, its return to an iPhone would mark a departure from the company's current flagship smartphone lineup.
The reported switch could be linked to engineering constraints associated with fitting Apple's existing Face ID hardware into a thinner foldable design.
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Despite these potential compromises, Apple's foldable iPhone is still expected to be one of the company's most significant launches in years. Its larger internal display could support gaming, video, calls and multitasking, while the smaller external display would handle everyday smartphone tasks.
Apple would be entering the foldable smartphone segment years after Samsung and Google. However, its entry could bring greater attention to the category.
The device is reportedly expected to launch around September 9, although Apple has not confirmed a launch date, specifications or pricing. Reports also suggest it could debut first in the US before expanding to other markets, including India.
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