Apple is likely gearing up to introduce its first-ever foldable iPhone at an upcoming launch event targeted on or around September 9, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has said, revealing some of the key details which indicate that the phone may compromise on certain standard premium features, notably swapping facial recognition for older biometric authentication.

According to Gurman, rather than featuring the company’s established Face ID system, the foldable design relies on Touch ID for user authentication. While returning to fingerprint scanning may feel like a step backward to some modern smartphone owners, many users remain comfortable with Touch ID across current Mac computers and iPads, he said.

Apple foldable iPhone may launch at $2,000

Apple’s first foldable iPhone: Key hardware omissions but premium pricing

The foldable iPhone will function as an ultra-premium flagship with retail pricing expected to exceed $2,000. However, early impressions highlight a significant hardware omission, Gurman said.

Despite excelling as an expanded camera viewfinder, the initial model lacks a telephoto camera for optical zoom. Given that the target audience willing to pay more than $2,000 closely overlaps with users demanding top-tier camera versatility, omitting advanced zoom could impact early sales.

Citing testers who have handled the hardware, Gurman said that the device fits comfortably into pockets, highlighting the durability and feel of the sophisticated hinge system alongside new iPad-style multitasking interfaces optimized for the large internal screen.

The form factor enables users to switch between regular single-handed tasks, such as texting or making quick phone calls, and an expansive display suited for video streaming, mobile gaming and other work.

Increased consumer awareness could simultaneously benefit Android manufacturers like Samsung and Google, whose offerings feature larger screens and mature folding hardware that some buyers may view as higher-tier alternatives.

-The Times of India