The return to Touch ID in the first generation makes sense for various reasons.
While it may be hard for many to acquire one anytime soon, the iPhone Duo has already been reviewed by several tech experts. Although it’s clearly an initial model, reviews of Apple’s first foldable device have generally been favorable.
A common concern for users transitioning from recent iPhones is the absence of Face ID. Apple has opted to revert to Touch ID for this model, a feature not seen since the 2022 iPhone SE. Since most users have become accustomed to Face ID since its introduction with the iPhone X, our analysis found that while the Touch ID function operates effectively, it can be slower to unlock the device than expected. According to trusted industry analyst Mark Gurman, Apple is already exploring ways to integrate advanced technology into the next iteration of the iPhone Duo.
On his Power On podcast, Gurman mentioned that Apple is “actively working” on under-display Face ID technology and that prototypes of the iPhone Duo 2 are being developed with this capability integrated into the outer screen. He also highlighted the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which feature smaller Dynamic Island hardware, indicating Apple is progressing in incorporating more components beneath the screens of their devices. The first-generation iPhone Duo also boasts Apple’s first under-display camera.
Regarding the choice to include a feature that Apple has largely phased out from its phones nearly ten years ago, it likely stems from the iPhone Duo’s design, which allows for multiple usage orientations. Incorporating Face ID sensors on both the internal and external displays could have complicated the design and increased the cost of an already premium product.
Gurman notes the thinness of the iPhone Duo’s display, making it challenging to fit additional components. Apple aimed for consistency across both displays, making it impractical to include Face ID on one without the other for this model. Additionally, there are hints that the action button seen in the iPhone 15 Pro may also appear in the future iPhone Duo 2.
