Apple engineers are working to bring Face ID to the outer display of the second-generation iPhone Duo ahead of its planned debut next fall.
The company has established two primary goals for the upcoming foldable device, according to Bloomberg Mark Gurman, with facial recognition leading the hardware priorities alongside a revised Action Button. 9to5Mac reported that engineers have already built working prototypes featuring the biometric scanner integrated into the outer screen.
However, production timelines remain tight as development nears final design stages. AppleInsider said that hardware codenamed V78 is approaching its final review before test manufacturing begins, leaving open the possibility that the biometric upgrade might miss the hardware cutoff.
“The timelines are tight here and it isn’t quite ready – so he isn’t reporting with certainty on whether or not this feature will make it,” according to reporting detailed by 9to5Mac regarding Gurman’s supply chain checks.
Updating controls on foldable chassis
Alongside the biometric scanner, Apple is planning changes to physical controls on the foldable chassis. The updated Action Button will likely function as a software addition to Camera Control, letting users remap the hold action from Siri to an application of their choice, Mezha.net reported.
Future iterations of the device target a reduction in physical thickness and weight while incorporating a telephoto camera system with optical zoom.
“Apple is preparing to unveil the iPhone Duo 2, the highly anticipated successor to its first foldable smartphone,” reported Geeky Gadgets, noting that the device aims to resolve structural shortcomings of the first-generation model.
Face ID and Action Button for Duo models
Development milestones indicate that if facial recognition fails to meet the manufacturing schedule for the next iteration, the feature will shift to the third-generation model slated for 2028. Apple is reportedly considering customer feedback and working on integrating features like Face ID and an Action Button for future iPhone Duo models.
- Face ID integration targeted for the outer display
- Action Button remapping via Camera Control software
- Future inclusion of a telephoto optical zoom lens
- Thinner and lighter chassis design goals
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the iPhone Duo 2 expected to launch?
The second-generation foldable device is scheduled to make its market debut in the second half of 2027, according to industry tracking cited by Geeky Gadgets.
What happens if Face ID is not ready for the next model?
If the biometric sensor misses the production deadline, Apple plans to introduce facial recognition with the iPhone Duo 3 in 2028, as reported by Mezha.net.