iPhone Duo 2 prototypes leak with potential to fix the first generation's biggest complaint
Come on, Apple leakers, give us a break. The iPhone Duo has only just been released today (October 23), but that's not good enough for some, as they're already looking at what comes next.
It's said that Apple's first patent pointing toward a folding iPhone was filed in 2011, meaning many are left questioning why it's taken us 15 years to get one. Hoping to 1-up the competition in terms of visible creases, the iPhone Duo has been praised for its Liquid Metal hinge technology.
Like we've had an annual release of iPhones since 2007, many are expecting Apple to follow suit with the iPhone Duo line.
Even though the iPhone Duo is an undoubtedly impressive bit of kit, the first reviews have called out a couple of drawbacks. Thankfully, a leaked iPhone Duo 2 prototype hints at the next model fixing one of the OG's biggest complaints.
What does the iPhone Duo 2 prototype show?
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We previously listed a lack of Face ID as one of the big features missing from the iPhone Duo, but it was still a complaint that popped up in the review of tech YouTuber Marques "MKBHD" Brownlee, MKBHD reminded us that we already knew it because the Duo lacks the Z-axis space to accomodate it, and as a trade off, we get the thinnest iPhone ever made.
Even though it's not a big deal, as most foldable phones have similarly gone for a fingerprint reader, MKBHD bemoans an apparent delay between using it and your device unlocking. In his own words: "I really think Face ID is gonna be the number one thing people miss coming from other iPhones. Not the zoom cameras, not the thinner and lighter form factors. I think it's Face ID."
Speaking in the latest episode of the Power On podcast, noted Apple insider Mark Gurman claimed Apple is 'actively working' on adding under-display Face ID to the next model.
Where to pre-order the iPhone Duo in the US:
As well as saying there are already prototypes showcasing Face ID tech being built into the iPhone Duo 2's outer display, he reiterated that the 18 Pro and Pro Max have already shrunken their dynamic islands as a way to fit more components under the display.
This follows on from Gurman previously suggesting that Apple would prioritize component miniaturization to add Face ID and a telephoto camera by the third generation. Could that timeline have been accelerated?
What complaints does the iPhone Duo have?
Alongside the lack of Face ID, the $2,000 starting price is the iPhone Duo's biggest stumbling block. MKBHD described it as a 'first generation' phone, so the fact that a potential Duo 2 prototype includes Face ID suggests that engineers are out there listening to us.
Others have complained about the aforementioned lack of a dedicated telephoto zoom lens, while the under-display front camera apparently has poor video quality during FaceTime calls. MKBHD even went as far as comparing it to the camera on the budget iPhone 17e.
Finally, the ultra-thin chassis when unfolded has also led to claims that the Duo struggled with heat dissipation and the right-hand side getting hot during the likes of FaceTime calls and gaming.
Gurman at least suggests that Apple will be adding an Action Button in the second generation of Duo, which is good news because it became standard since the iPhone 15 Pro
The general consensus seems to be that some would struggle to justify spending $2,000 on an iPhone Duo, although we'd also argue the first iPhone's release in 2007 was far from perfect.
UNILADTech has reached out to Apple for comment.