Source: Shenlan Finance

The iPhone Duo has just hit the market officially, and surprisingly, whispers about its second iteration have already started circulating.

Bloomberg's seasoned reporter, Mark Gurman, disclosed in the latest 'Power On' podcast episode that Apple is currently conducting internal tests on a prototype of the iPhone Duo 2. This new model is expected to sport two significant upgrades: the integration of under-display Face ID on the external screen and the reintroduction of the Action Button.

Earlier, Gurman had predicted that Face ID and a dedicated periscope lens might not make an appearance until the third generation. However, in an unexpected turn, Apple has already commenced testing these features on the second-generation prototype.

The latest leaks, though, hint at an earlier-than-anticipated debut. Should everything proceed smoothly, the second-generation iPhone Duo is poised to incorporate Face ID.

As Apple's inaugural foray into foldable devices, the first-generation iPhone Duo eschews the Face ID unlocking mechanism, which has become a staple in recent iPhone models, in favor of Touch ID, akin to the base model iPad.

Considering the limited internal depth of approximately 5 millimeters on one side of the external screen—accounting for the OLED screen panel, hinge mechanism, and midframe structure—the available space for sensor integration is exceedingly constrained. This makes it impractical to house the existing Face ID optical module.

To strike a balance between compactness and ensuring seamless unlocking in both folded and unfolded states, Apple opted for Touch ID, embedding it within the side power button. This decision, however, left many users underwhelmed.

Furthermore, there are speculations that Apple might unveil a device dubbed the 'iPhone Duo Max' in the foreseeable future, boasting a larger display.

Simultaneously, Apple could also introduce two additional models: the 'iPhone Duo SE,' featuring streamlined configurations, and the 'iPhone Duo Mini,' adopting a clamshell design.

*Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author. The market is fraught with risks, and investments should be approached with caution. Under no circumstances should the information or opinions presented herein be construed as investment advice for any individual.

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