Apple testing fingerprint sensor on display for iPhone 13, foldable iPhone also under development

Apple started “working early” on a foldable screen iPhone, according to a new report from Bloombergis Mark Gurman. Although testing of a foldable iPhone has begun, Apple has not committed to launching a device that has a foldable screen.

Development has not yet expanded beyond a screen and Apple does not have fully foldable iPhone prototypes in its labs. Like other companies’ foldable smartphones, a foldable iPhone would allow Apple to create a larger screen in a package that can still be kept in a pocket.

Apple discussed several foldable screen sizes, including one that unfolds to a size similar to the iPhone 12 Pro Max 6.7-inch screen. Apple designs have an “almost invisible hinge” with electronic components located behind the screen while instead of two panels separated by a visible hinge.

Bloomberg suggests that a foldable “iPhone” is probably “years away” or “in the end it may never be released”, with Apple focusing mainly on updates to its flagship iPhones and iPads that are coming in 2021.

The iPhone 13 models planned for this year are unlikely to show major design changes, as the 2020 iPhone models marked a significant revision of technology and design. Apple engineers consider the iPhones 2021 to be an “S” version of the 2020 models. Apple has used the “S” nomenclature in the past in years when the “iPhone” models had more minor updates.

While design changes are expected to be minimal, Apple is testing a Touch ID fingerprint reader on the screen that would mark a major change in the biometric systems that Apple has been using for major devices since the launch of the iPhone X.

The fingerprint sensor would be made available in addition to Face ID and would be convenient for iPhone users who cannot unlock their iPhones with facial recognition when wearing masks.

Apple also considered removing the charging port for some ‌iPhone‌ models in favor of wireless charging, and this appears to be something that is still at stake for the iPhones 2021 at the moment.

BloombergToday’s report also confirms that AirTags are due to launch in 2021 and reiterates rumors of the iPad Pro that suggest Apple is working on an updated version with a mini-LED screen and a faster processor.