Apple is reportedly pushing to bring its Face ID facial recognition system to the outer display of the next iPhone Duo 2. Engineers have allegedly built prototypes where Face ID works through the external screen, making it a top priority for the upcoming device. However, various signs suggest the feature may miss the cut for this generation.
What’s New With iPhone Duo 2
The second-generation iPhone Duo is expected to ship next fall, going beyond standard upgrades like a faster chip and camera enhancements. One of its major goals is to introduce Face ID support for the device’s outer screen—something Apple is said to be actively working on. Engineers are prototyping models in which Face ID would operate through the external display panel itself. Also on Apple’s roadmap for Duo’s immediate future: the “Action Button” and possibly software allowing users to remap the hold function—from Siri activation, presumably—to other features like direct camera access.
Challenges & Timeline
That said, Apple isn’t confirming Face ID will arrive in the Duo 2 model. The company is still racing against tight development schedules, and sources indicate that the facial recognition component “isn’t quite ready.” If it doesn’t make it into Duo 2, insiders suggest it could come with the third generation of the line in 2028.
Longer-Term Goals
Beyond Face ID, Apple has more layers it wants to add to the Duo series: namely a telephoto lens to boost zoom capabilities, and a form factor that’s both thinner and lighter. While slimming down is an expected goal with every new model, making that happen without sacrificing durability or battery life will be a technical balancing act.
The inclusion of Face ID through the outer display would address a long-standing user frustration around biometric unlocking when using foldable or dual-screen phones. However, implementing it effectively without compromising on accuracy, security, or design is complex—especially for Apple, whose Face ID system has high standards for both hardware alignment and software calibration.
What this means: If Face ID does arrive for the Duo’s outer screen, it could redefine how users interact with the device in everyday scenarios—think pulling it out for quick glances and notifications without opening it. But if Apple holds off until 2028, consumers will have that much longer to wait before seeing a foldable with full facial unlock convenience. The race is on—either for Duo 2 to deliver or for Duo 3 to make up ground in a landscape where outer-screen Face ID starts becoming a baseline expectation.
