Apple is reportedly testing prototypes of the iPhone Duo 2, incorporating the Face ID system hidden beneath the outer screen. This modification would allow the second version of the foldable device to regain biometric recognition present in conventional iPhones, eliminating the need for a larger cutout on the display.
The news was reported on Thursday, October 22, by journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. According to him, the launch of this model is projected to occur between September and December 2027.
The initial iPhone Duo model used Touch ID integrated into the side button, following an approach similar to that used in the iPad Air and iPad mini. The choice of fingerprint reader was due to the limited internal space in the thin foldable design, which drew criticism in early reviews conducted in the United States. The website 9to5Mac pointed out that returning to the side button felt like a step backward after years of using facial recognition.
In the prototypes mentioned by Gurman, the components responsible for facial authentication are located under the outer screen. This would allow Apple to implement Face ID without adding a large cutout to the panel. The tests also suggest that Apple may accelerate its timelines. Previously, Gurman estimated that Face ID and a telephoto camera would only appear in the third generation of the Duo in September.
It is worth noting that Apple has been investing for years in methods to conceal Face ID components. For example, the iPhone 18 Pro uses an infrared camera positioned under the display, a technology that helped reduce the size of the Dynamic Island.
While Apple evaluates the supposed next generation, the first iPhone Duo began to be officially made available to consumers this Friday, October 23. In Brazil, the foldable starts at a price of R$ 21,999 for the 256 GB configuration. The 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB versions are quoted at R$ 23,499, R$ 26,499, and R$ 30,999, respectively.
Due to high demand, delivery times have been extended; some orders may not arrive until January 2027. Apple started pre-orders in the country on October 16, one week before the official launch. The first Duo features 5.4 and 7.6-inch screens, equipped with the A20 Pro chip and two 48-megapixel rear cameras, with the second generation expected in 2027.