Apple is reportedly planning to boost the iPhone Duo with two of the most requested features among its users: Face ID and a telephoto camera lens. But the catch is, neither enhancement is guaranteed for the upcoming model refresh, which is expected in late 2027.
Prototypes in Progress, But Deadlines Loom
Current development is centered on hardware codenamed “V78,” a version of the Duo that integrates Face ID—with the facial recognition VCSEL system built into the outer display. According to insider sources, this prototype stands at the final design phase and is headed toward test production soon. If everything goes smoothly, Apple may squeeze Face ID into the second-generation Duo. However, with engineering deadlines approaching rapidly, it’s still uncertain whether this feature will make it into the late 2027 release. If not, it might be delayed further.
Alongside Face ID, Apple is aiming to give the Duo its first telephoto lens—adding much-needed zoom capability to a device still using wide-angle optics. Other goals include slimming down the unit and cutting overall weight, responding to feedback that the Duo feels bulky and heavy compared to conventional phones.
Action Button Is Also on Apple’s Radar
The new version of the Duo will also reportedly include an Action Button—similar to what Apple added in recent iPhones—which may offer shortcuts or quick access functions. Along with Face ID and improved camera optics, this button is expected to be one of the core enhancements Apple is pushing toward in the next generation.
That said, user feedback on missing features—particularly Face ID—has been loud and clear. But sources suggest that much of this feedback won’t significantly shift the internal roadmap. Hardware challenges and tight design windows could mean major additions like Face ID or telephoto optics might slip into a future “Duo 3,” rather than appearing in Duo 2.
While the timeline is still murky, one thing is clear: Apple is under pressure to bring the Duo more in line with flagship phones. With competitors offering more advanced camera modules and smoother biometrics, the Duo risks falling behind unless it lands these upgrades.
What this means: The upcoming Duo 2 is shaping up to be a more premium, feature-rich device—if Apple can hit its engineering deadlines. Expect upgrades like Face ID, a telephoto lens, and an Action Button if all goes well. But don’t be surprised if some of those make their debut only with Duo 3. Apple faces a familiar tradeoff—balancing product ambition with build feasibility. Keep watch over Apple’s next hardware cycle to see which features survive the cut—how those choices go will shape the Duo’s place in a crowded phone market.
