iPhone Duo 2 Rumors Point to Face ID, Action Button, and Big Upgrades for Apple’s Next Foldable
Apple’s first foldable iPhone has not even reached most buyers yet, but talk about the iPhone Duo 2 is already heating up. With some late preorders reportedly showing delivery dates as far out as January 22, many Apple fans may learn about the second-generation model before they even get their hands on the original.
The first iPhone Duo goes on sale tomorrow with a starting price of $1,999. Apple’s debut foldable features a 5.4-inch outer display and a larger 7.6-inch inner screen, giving users a compact phone experience when closed and a tablet-like canvas when unfolded. However, one major omission has already become a talking point: Face ID.
Instead of facial recognition, the first iPhone Duo uses a fingerprint sensor built into the side button, similar to what Apple offers on some iPad models. The reason appears to be the phone’s extremely slim design. When unfolded, the device is reportedly Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet, leaving little room for the depth-sensing hardware required for Face ID.
That could change with the iPhone Duo 2.
According to industry reporting from Mark Gurman, Apple is already testing prototypes of its next foldable iPhone with Face ID components placed beneath the outer display. This approach could allow Apple to bring secure facial recognition to the iPhone Duo line without increasing the thickness of the device or adding a large visible cutout.
Apple has reportedly been working to shrink its Face ID hardware for some time. The company has already made progress with smaller infrared camera components in recent iPhone models, and the next major step could involve placing both the infrared camera and flood illuminator under the screen. If successful, this would make Face ID less intrusive while preserving the sleek look of the foldable iPhone.
Still, the feature is not guaranteed for the iPhone Duo 2. Apple is said to be testing the technology for a model expected next fall, but if development takes longer than planned, Face ID could be pushed back to the iPhone Duo 3. Previous reports have suggested that smaller components and AI improvements could help Apple bring Face ID and a dedicated telephoto camera to a future foldable model.
Face ID may not be the only upgrade under consideration. Apple is also reportedly looking at adding an Action button to the iPhone Duo 2. The current model does not include the customizable button, which has become a popular feature on newer iPhones. Internal discussions are said to be ongoing, with some Apple staff reportedly confident that the button can be added to the foldable design.
The timing of these rumors creates an unusual situation for Apple. The first iPhone Duo is launching with strong interest but limited availability, and customers who preorder late may face a long wait. If reports about the iPhone Duo 2 continue to build, some buyers may question whether it is worth spending nearly $2,000 on the first-generation foldable when a more refined successor could arrive within a year.
For now, the original iPhone Duo remains Apple’s first major step into the foldable phone market. But if the latest rumors are accurate, the iPhone Duo 2 could address some of the biggest complaints right away, especially by adding Face ID and possibly the Action button. That would make Apple’s second foldable a much more compelling device for users who want the flexibility of a foldable screen without sacrificing familiar iPhone features.
