That $1,999 Foldable iPhone You Just Bought May Be Missing Something Apple Is Already Trying to Bring Back in the Next Version

Apple is reportedly testing under-display Face ID technology for the second-generation iPhone Duo, potentially addressing one of the biggest complaints about its $1,999 foldable.

Early prototypes reportedly feature under-display Face ID hardware, but there’s no guarantee the technology will make it into the final iPhone Duo 2.

The development comes as the first-generation iPhone Duo goes on sale October 23, with early reviews repeatedly criticizing Apple’s decision to replace facial recognition with Touch ID.

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Why the First iPhone Duo Doesn’t Have Face ID

Unlike other flagship iPhones, the Duo uses a fingerprint sensor integrated into its side button, similar to the Touch ID system found on several iPad models.

Apple adopted that approach because the foldable’s thin design leaves little room for the depth-sensing components Face ID requires.

While Touch ID works, reviewers have questioned why a $1,999 iPhone requires users to reach for a physical button when facial authentication has been standard on Apple’s premium phones for years.

Under-display Face ID could solve that problem by placing the necessary sensors beneath the screen without compromising the Duo’s thin profile.

However, Apple is still evaluating the technology, and there’s no guarantee it will be ready for the next generation.

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Face ID Could Arrive Sooner Than Expected

Earlier speculation suggested Apple might need until the third-generation iPhone Duo to introduce Face ID, potentially relying on smaller components and advances in image processing to make it fit.

The existence of prototypes suggests Apple is already exploring a solution for the second-generation model, expected in fall 2027.

Still, testing a feature doesn’t mean Apple has committed to shipping it. The company routinely experiments with hardware configurations that never reach consumers.

Face ID isn’t the only addition under consideration. Apple is also reportedly evaluating an Action button for the next Duo, bringing the customizable shortcut found on the iPhone 18 Pro lineup to its foldable.

Neither feature has been confirmed, and Apple hasn’t publicly discussed its plans for the successor.

If you’re considering the first-generation Duo, the report gives you a reason to watch how Apple’s foldable develops, especially if Touch ID is a dealbreaker on a phone costing nearly $2,000.