The iPhone Duo has only just started reaching the hands of those who pre-ordered it last week, and the first wave of reviews is already painting a familiar picture. As with many first-generation products, the Duo arrives with a set of compromises that early adopters are learning to live with. Among the most talked-about issues is the Touch ID sensor, which has left reviewers and users alike wishing for something more seamless. Depending on how you hold the device, the sensor can be awkward to reach, and it requires you to keep your finger pressed against it until the phone fully unlocks—a minor but persistent annoyance that adds friction to something as simple as checking a notification.
It comes as little surprise, then, that Face ID has become one of the most requested features for the Duo’s successor. And according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is already working on making that wish a reality. Gurman has confirmed that Apple is testing an iPhone Duo 2 prototype that incorporates a key upgrade: an under-display Face ID system. This development suggests that the company is not only listening to feedback but is actively rethinking how biometric authentication should work on a foldable form factor.
Why Touch ID on the iPhone Duo Missed the Mark
The iPhone Duo represents Apple’s first serious foray into the foldable market, and like any debut, it comes with lessons to learn. The Touch ID sensor, while functional, has been criticized for being poorly positioned relative to how people naturally hold the device. In a foldable, the device’s orientation can shift dramatically depending on whether it’s open or closed, and the sensor’s placement doesn’t always align with where a finger naturally rests. Reviewers have noted that unlocking the phone often requires a deliberate adjustment of grip, which detracts from the otherwise premium experience.
Moreover, the requirement to hold your finger on the sensor until the unlock completes feels outdated in a world where Face ID on Apple’s other devices is nearly instantaneous. The Duo’s first-gen shortcomings are typical of a new product category, but they also highlight how important it is for Apple to refine the user experience in the next iteration. The demand for Face ID is not just about convenience—it’s about bringing the Duo in line with the rest of the iPhone lineup, where facial recognition has become the norm.
Under-Display Face ID: The Key Upgrade in Testing
Mark Gurman’s report that Apple is testing an iPhone Duo 2 prototype with under-display Face ID is significant for several reasons. For one, it indicates that Apple is exploring ways to integrate facial recognition without compromising the device’s design. In a foldable, space is at a premium, and traditional Face ID modules—which rely on a TrueDepth camera system—can be bulky. An under-display solution would allow Apple to embed the necessary sensors beneath the screen, preserving an uninterrupted display area while still offering secure facial authentication.
The prototype is said to be in active testing, meaning Apple is likely evaluating the performance of the under-display system in real-world scenarios. This includes factors like unlock speed, reliability in different lighting conditions, and how well the sensors function when the screen is folded or partially open. If successful, this upgrade could address one of the most common complaints about the Duo while also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a foldable device.
How Under-Display Face ID Works
Under-display Face ID technology involves placing the TrueDepth camera and infrared sensors behind the display panel. The screen must be transparent enough in specific areas to allow the sensors to function, which requires advances in display materials and manufacturing. Apple has been granted several patents related to this technology over the years, and the Duo 2 prototype may be the first device to bring it to market. The result would be a cleaner look with no notch or visible sensor housing, and a more immersive viewing experience on the foldable’s large screen.
Potential Benefits for the Foldable Form Factor
For a foldable like the Duo, under-display Face ID offers particular advantages. When the device is closed, the external screen could also benefit from a seamless design. When open, the large inner display would be free from interruptions, making it ideal for media consumption and multitasking. Additionally, Face ID would eliminate the need to reach for a sensor, which is especially valuable when the device is in an unfolded state and the user’s hands are positioned differently than on a traditional phone.
What This Means for the iPhone Duo 2 Release Timeline
While Apple is testing the prototype, it’s important to note that this does not guarantee a specific release date. Apple typically tests multiple prototypes before finalizing a design, and some features may not make it to the final product. However, Gurman’s track record on Apple leaks lends credibility to the report. The iPhone Duo 2 is expected to arrive sometime in 2026 or later, and the inclusion of under-display Face ID would be a marquee feature that could help Apple differentiate its foldable from competitors.
The testing phase also suggests that Apple is taking its time to get the technology right. Unlike some rivals who have rushed foldables to market, Apple is known for waiting until a feature meets its standards for reliability and user experience. If the under-display Face ID system isn’t ready, Apple could delay it or opt for a different solution, such as a side-mounted Touch ID sensor that’s more ergonomic. But given the feedback on the first Duo, Face ID seems like the logical next step.
Competitive Landscape: How Rivals Handle Biometrics on Foldables
Apple’s competitors have taken various approaches to biometric authentication on foldables. Samsung, for instance, has used side-mounted fingerprint sensors on its Galaxy Z Fold series, which are generally well-received for their speed and reliability. However, none have yet implemented under-display Face ID on a foldable, making Apple’s potential upgrade a notable differentiator. If Apple can perfect the technology, it could set a new standard for how foldables handle security and convenience.
Other manufacturers have experimented with under-display cameras, but facial recognition using under-display sensors is more complex due to the need for infrared projectors and dot projectors. Apple’s expertise in this area, honed through years of Face ID development, gives it a strong advantage. The Duo 2 prototype could be the first device to demonstrate this capability in a foldable, which would be a significant engineering achievement.
User Feedback and the Demand for Face ID
The first round of reviews for the iPhone Duo has been largely mixed, with many praising the hardware and design but criticizing the biometric experience. Users who are accustomed to Face ID on their iPhones find the Touch ID sensor on the Duo to be a step backward. The requirement to hold your finger on the sensor is particularly irksome for those who are used to simply glancing at their phone to unlock it. This feedback has clearly resonated with Apple, as evidenced by the prototype testing.
In online forums and social media, Duo owners have been vocal about their desire for Face ID. Some have even suggested that they would be willing to pay a premium for a version with facial recognition. Apple’s decision to test under-display Face ID suggests that the company is aware of this demand and is working to address it in the next generation. It’s a classic Apple move: listen to customers, iterate, and deliver a better product.
Technical Challenges and Apple’s Approach
Implementing under-display Face ID is not without challenges. The display panel must allow enough light to pass through for the infrared sensors to work effectively. This requires special display materials and careful engineering to avoid degrading the visual quality. Additionally, the sensors must be able to function when the screen is folded, which adds another layer of complexity. Apple’s patent filings suggest that the company has been exploring solutions such as micro-perforations in the display or transparent areas that become invisible to the eye.
Apple is known for its rigorous testing, and the fact that a prototype is already in testing indicates that the company has made significant progress. However, it’s possible that the final version of the Duo 2 may not include under-display Face ID if the technology isn’t ready for prime time. Apple has a history of delaying features that don’t meet its standards, as seen with the iPhone’s transition to OLED displays and the development of 5G modems. Nevertheless, the prototype is a promising sign that Face ID is on the roadmap for the Duo line.
What Else to Expect from the iPhone Duo 2
Beyond the biometric upgrade, the iPhone Duo 2 is likely to bring other improvements based on feedback from the first generation. These could include a more durable hinge, a less noticeable crease, better battery life, and a refined design. Apple may also enhance the camera system, which is often a weak point on foldables due to space constraints. The under-display Face ID would be a headline feature, but it would be part of a broader effort to make the Duo 2 a more compelling product.
Software could also play a role. Apple is expected to refine the foldable-specific features in iOS, making better use of the large screen and the unique form factor. Multitasking, app continuity between the inner and outer displays, and new gestures could all be part of the Duo 2 experience. The company has been granted patents for foldable-specific user interfaces, and these could come to life in the next model.
Conclusion: A Promising Step Forward
The news that Apple is testing an iPhone Duo 2 prototype with under-display Face ID is an encouraging sign for anyone who has been following the foldable market. It shows that Apple is committed to addressing the shortcomings of its first-generation device and is willing to invest in advanced technology to improve the user experience. While the Duo 2 is still some time away, the prototype testing suggests that Face ID will finally come to Apple’s foldable, bringing it in line with the rest of the iPhone family. For now, Duo owners will have to make do with Touch ID, but the future looks bright for a more seamless and secure unlock experience.
