Apple appears to be working on a major change for its next foldable iPhone. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company is testing iPhone Duo 2 prototypes that carry Face ID hardware beneath the outer display.
The setup includes a Face ID sensor and an infrared camera hidden under the external screen. This would let users unlock the device and authenticate payments without relying on a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Apple did not confirm the feature. The report describes early prototype testing, so the company could still change the design or delay the technology.
The first iPhone Duo reportedly uses Touch ID in its side button. Apple chose this approach since the foldable design leaves limited space for the camera and sensor hardware needed for Face ID.
An under-display system would remove that constraint. It would keep the outer screen clean, avoid a notch or cutout, and preserve the device’s slim folded profile. It would also bring the foldable iPhone closer to the experience offered by Apple’s flagship iPhones.
Gurman expects Apple to complete the switch from Touch ID to Face ID within the first or second iPhone Duo sequel. That suggests the feature may arrive as early as next year, though the timeline remains uncertain.
The change would matter most for everyday use. Users could unlock the phone while it is folded, approve App Store purchases, and authenticate payments through Apple Pay using their face.
It would also address one of the main compromises in the first Duo. A fingerprint sensor works well, but Face ID offers a more seamless experience across Apple’s ecosystem, especially for users who already rely on it on their iPhone, iPad or Mac. Still, the report signals Apple’s intent. If the technology matures in time, the iPhone Duo 2 could become the first foldable iPhone to offer Face ID without a visible sensor housing.