Code references in the iOS 27 beta appear to confirm that the upcoming iPhone Ultra will use Touch ID rather than Face ID. The thin chassis of the device has long been expected to limit Face ID placement, and a section concerning Car Key in the fourth developer beta includes localization strings for a phone with both Touch ID and Ultra Wideband (UWB). While current iPhone models with UWB also have Face ID, the new strings suggest a separate hardware configuration for the Ultra model.

This mirrors the iPad Air, which retained Touch ID despite the trend toward Face ID, allowing Apple to differentiate the device in its lineup. The rumor, flagged as "likely," hints that the iPhone Ultra may prioritize a fingerprint sensor for security and convenience, especially as Apple prepares to announce the foldable phone on September 9, 2026.