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Apple is testing an iPhone Duo 2 prototype with a significant change to its biometric authentication system. According to GSMArena.com, the successor device is being tested with under-display Face ID rather than the Touch ID sensor used on the first-generation iPhone Duo. The technology has not yet been confirmed for the commercial product because of ongoing challenges involving component size.
Touch ID Draws Attention
The iPhone Duo has gradually begun reaching users who placed early orders the previous week. Initial reviews of the device have also emerged, with several reviewers noting that the product still has shortcomings commonly found in first-generation devices.
The Touch ID sensor is one area that has drawn attention. According to GSMArena.com's summary, the sensor can be difficult to reach depending on the device's orientation while it is being held. Users must also keep their finger on the sensor until the unlocking process is fully completed. As a result, some reviewers consider the authentication experience less convenient.
Criticism of Touch ID has led to calls for the successor device to use Face ID. The facial recognition system is seen as one of the upgrades expected for the next-generation iPhone Duo.
Prototype Uses Under-Display Face ID
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on the PowerOn podcast that Apple is testing iPhone Duo 2 units with a biometric facial recognition system. Face ID on the prototype is positioned beneath the display, making it different from the authentication method used on the first model.
Placing Face ID behind the display is the main upgrade currently being tested. However, the presence of the feature in a prototype does not necessarily mean the technology will be used in the commercial device. Apple still needs to ensure that all supporting components can fit into the final design.
GSMArena.com reported that it remains unclear whether Apple will be able to introduce the feature on the iPhone Duo 2 next year. Information about under-display Face ID is therefore still limited to testing and does not confirm the final specifications.
Component Size Presents a Challenge
The potential implementation of under-display Face ID depends on Apple's ability to reduce the size of several key components. The components specifically mentioned are the dot projector and infrared camera, which are part of the biometric facial recognition system.
The components need to be made smaller so the system can be placed beneath the display without disrupting the device's design. The development of these parts will determine whether under-display Face ID is ready for use in the commercial version of the iPhone Duo 2.
If the technology can be implemented, the iPhone Duo 2 could offer a different unlocking method from the first generation. However, while testing remains underway, there is no certainty that Touch ID will be fully replaced in the finished product.
Action Button Could Also Be Added
In addition to under-display Face ID, Gurman expects Apple to bring the Action button to the iPhone Duo 2. The button is one of the hardware features not included on the first-generation iPhone Duo.
The addition of under-display Face ID and the Action button would represent two hardware changes compared with the current model. However, both remain part of testing and projections rather than an official announcement about the final iPhone Duo 2 configuration.
For now, the main focus remains on Apple's ability to reduce the size of the Face ID components. Success in doing so will affect the likelihood of the under-display authentication system being used in the iPhone Duo's successor.
