Apple is already working on the second-generation iPhone Duo, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, and he says the next-gen foldable could gain Face ID and that prototypes have already been built sporting the technology beneath the outer display.
Gurman‘s comments came in the latest episode of his “Power On” podcast. He discussed Apple’s work on adding facial authentication technology to its next-gen foldable handset. While the Cupertino company is reportedly testing the hardware for the second-generation device which is expected next fall, it has yet to finalize the feature set for the device.
The first-generation iPhone Duo, which hots doorsteps and store shelves on Friday, relies on a fingerprint sensor embedded in its side button, just like the iPad. The thin design of the foldable device leaves little space for the depth-sensing components required to perform Face ID.
This new information appears to confirm Gurman’s September prediction that smaller components and advances in artificial intelligence could aid Apple in adding both Face ID and a dedicated telephoto camera to the device by the arrival of the third generation.
Gurman added that Apple is also considering adding an Action button to a future iPhone Duo, a feature that was noticeably lacking when the current model was unveiled.
The first iPhone Duo launches tomorrow at a base price of $1,999. In-store availability is expected to be quite limited.