Touch ID is coming to iPhone Ultra this fall, here’s why

This fall, Apple will launch a new foldable iPhone, rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra. And one of the more interesting features of the iPhone Ultra is that it uses Touch ID instead of Face ID. Here’s why Apple is reportedly making this switch.

iPhone Ultra will use Touch ID instead of Face ID for authentication

The iPhone Ultra will likely be the most unique new iPhone model ever.

There are two displays, one on the outside and one on the inside. Use hole punch cutouts instead of dynamic islands.

And Touch ID will be installed instead of Face ID.

This is clear based on leaks from various sources over the past few months.

For an “Ultra” branded model, it seems especially strange that Apple would take a step back with authentication technology.

So why a switch?

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple was forced to use Touch ID “due to thickness and internal space constraints.”

Why Apple chose not to use Face ID on iPhone Ultra

Face ID components fit neatly inside the ultra-slim iPhone Air. So why not the iPhone Ultra?

We know of at least two reasons.

1. iPhone Ultra will be even thinner than iPhone Air
2. Two separate sets of Face ID components are required.

The iPhone Air is 5.6mm thick (not counting the flat part of the camera). However, the iPhone Ultra is only 4.5-4.8mm thick when unfolded. This is a significant reduction.

Even if Apple were able to fit Face ID into a thinner frame, it would require twice as much overall space. This is because each of the iPhone Ultra’s two displays requires its own set of Face ID components.

Whether or not Apple can technically manage such a feat, it would mean sacrificing valuable internal real estate that could be devoted to things like larger batteries and vapor chambers.

With Touch ID integrated into the iPhone Ultra’s power button, Apple won’t have to double up on components. This is the solution the company has chosen this time.

How important is it to you that the iPhone Ultra uses Touch ID instead of Face ID? Let us know in the comments.

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