Key points
- Mark Gurman reports that iPhone Duo 2 prototypes include Face ID integrated under the outer display.
- The first-generation iPhone Duo switched to Touch ID, a change many reviewers criticized as difficult to adapt to.
- Apple aims to shrink bezels by placing both the IR camera and flood illuminator behind the glass.
The short version
- iPhone Duo 2 prototypes are currently being tested with Face ID on the outer screen.
- The sensor sits beneath the display, addressing user complaints about the first model's Touch ID.
- Apple may ship this feature next fall or delay it to a subsequent generation.
The details
Mark Gurman reported on his Power On podcast that Apple is testing prototypes of the iPhone Duo 2 with Face ID capability. The biometric sensor is integrated beneath the display on the outer screen of the foldable device. This development comes as the first-generation iPhone Duo prepares for its release, which is expected to be a strong seller based on pre-order demand. The company is already working on next-generation hardware to follow up with a second model next fall.
The initial iPhone Duo moved away from Face ID to Touch ID, a change that early reviewers found challenging. Chance Miller of 9to5Mac described the switch to Touch ID as the hardest aspect of the new foldable to get used to. For the first generation, fitting Face ID into the super-thin enclosure appeared to be a significant engineering blocker. Apple has been working on making Face ID components smaller and less obtrusive, a trend visible in the under-display IR camera on the iPhone 18 Pro.
The context
With the iPhone Duo 2 and the twentieth anniversary iPhone Pro, Apple may achieve another evolution in design. The goal is to place both the IR camera and the flood illuminator behind the screen. This would allow for even smaller bezels or Dynamic Island cutouts. Gurman noted that while the technology is being tested now, it is not guaranteed to ship in next year’s revision. Customers might see it next year or wait for the iPhone Duo 3 if development slips.
Employees are also exploring ways to bring the Action button to the next-generation iPhone Duo. Gurman expressed less confidence about this feature compared to the biometric changes. It remains unclear whether Apple would remove the Touch ID sensor from the power button if it adds Face ID. The company might keep both methods of biometrics, allowing users to authenticate whether they are looking at the inner or outer display.
What to watch
- Monitor official announcements regarding the iPhone Duo 2 hardware specifications next fall.
- Watch for confirmation on whether the Action button will be included in the next model.
- Observe if Apple retains Touch ID alongside Face ID for dual-screen authentication.
- Track any delays that might push the under-display Face ID to the iPhone Duo 3.
What it means for organisations
Teams managing device fleets should assess how biometric changes impact user adoption and security policies. When hardware shifts from one authentication method to another, training materials may need updating. Procurement teams should verify if new models support existing enterprise management tools. IT leaders should communicate potential changes to staff early, ensuring they understand how to authenticate on both inner and outer displays. Vendor risk assessments should include hardware reliability data for new form factors.
What to do and how to stay safe: Apple
- Review current mobile device management policies to ensure they support both Touch ID and Face ID.
- Prepare user training materials that explain how to authenticate on foldable devices with dual screens.
- Monitor vendor announcements for official hardware specifications before planning large-scale deployments.
- Evaluate whether existing security controls require adjustment for devices with under-display sensors.
Step-by-step guide: Secure Home Routers for Small Business Networks
General security guidance from the TechSec Headlines newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Will the iPhone Duo 2 definitely have Face ID?
No, Gurman stated that while prototypes are being tested, it is not guaranteed to ship next year and could slip to the iPhone Duo 3.
Why did the first iPhone Duo use Touch ID instead of Face ID?
Fitting Face ID into the super-thin enclosure of the first-generation device was an engineering blocker for Apple.
Will the iPhone Duo 2 have an Action button?
Employees are exploring adding the Action button, but Gurman seems less confident about this feature than the Face ID integration.
