Apple is reportedly exploring significant hardware upgrades for its next-generation foldable iPhone, with early prototypes of the iPhone Duo 2 said to feature Face ID integration, a dedicated Action button and potential camera improvements. The developments come as the company's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, begins reaching customers in India.

Although the first-generation device has only recently entered the market, Apple is believed to have already begun internal testing of its successor. The proposed changes suggest the Cupertino-based technology giant is exploring ways to improve convenience, security, and photography while maintaining the slim design of its foldable smartphone.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who discussed Apple's foldable smartphone plans during his Power On podcast, the company is experimenting with several hardware modifications. However, not all the features currently under consideration are expected to appear in the second-generation model.

iPhone Duo 2 could replace Touch ID with Face ID

One of the most notable changes being explored is the integration of Face ID into the phone's outer display.

The existing iPhone Duo relies on a Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into its side button. While this arrangement helps Apple conserve internal space, it also means users cannot unlock the device through the facial recognition system available on several conventional iPhone models.

The proposed Face ID integration could allow users to unlock the foldable smartphone, authenticate payments and access supported applications using facial recognition without opening the device.

However, incorporating Apple's facial recognition technology into a thin foldable handset presents engineering challenges.

Face ID depends on specialised hardware, including an infrared camera and dot projector, which work together to create a three-dimensional map of the user's face.

Accommodating these components within the limited space of a foldable smartphone could require Apple to develop smaller sensors or redesign the internal arrangement of the device.

According to the report, Apple is testing the technology, but it remains uncertain whether the company can incorporate it into the final iPhone Duo 2 design.

Action Button may make its way to Apple's Next Foldable

Apple is also reportedly considering introducing its customisable Action button to the next-generation foldable iPhone.

The feature, already available on several conventional iPhone models, allows users to assign specific functions to a physical button.

These include launching the camera, activating the flashlight, switching between sound modes, and opening frequently used applications or shortcuts.

The first-generation iPhone Duo does not include an Action button, making its potential addition a notable change.

For a foldable smartphone, the button could offer quicker access to essential functions without requiring users to unfold the device or navigate through menus.

However, its inclusion would also require Apple to accommodate another physical control within the handset's compact frame.

Telephoto Camera could improve Zoom Photography

Camera performance is another area Apple is reportedly examining for future generations of its foldable smartphone.

Gurman indicated that the company is considering adding a dedicated telephoto camera to a future iPhone Duo model.

The current-generation device features a 48-megapixel Dual Fusion rear camera system consisting of main and ultra-wide cameras.

While the existing arrangement supports everyday photography and wide-angle shots, the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens limits its ability to deliver optical zoom capabilities comparable to those of iPhones equipped with separate telephoto cameras.

A telephoto camera could improve portrait photography and allow users to capture distant subjects with greater detail without relying entirely on digital cropping.

However, adding another camera module could create challenges involving internal space, camera placement and device thickness.

It is also unclear whether Apple intends to introduce the telephoto camera with the iPhone Duo 2 or reserve it for a later generation.

Apple could explore larger foldable displays

Beyond biometric authentication and camera improvements, Apple is reportedly evaluating larger internal displays for future foldable iPhones.

The current iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch folding screen, providing a tablet-like viewing experience when unfolded.

According to Gurman, future versions could feature internal displays measuring between 8.5 and 9 inches.

Such an increase would provide additional screen space for multitasking, watching videos, reading documents and running applications designed to take advantage of larger displays.

A bigger screen could also make the device more appealing to users seeking a smartphone that can serve as a compact tablet.

However, expanding the display would likely require changes to the hinge mechanism, internal component placement and overall dimensions of the handset.

Apple would also need to balance the benefits of a larger screen against portability, weight and battery requirements.

The report does not establish whether the larger display is being developed specifically for the iPhone Duo 2 or for a subsequent model.

Despite the range of improvements reportedly under consideration, Apple is unlikely to introduce every proposed feature simultaneously.

Gurman suggested that the upgrades could be distributed across the second and third generations of the foldable iPhone.

This would allow Apple to refine individual technologies while addressing the engineering challenges associated with incorporating advanced components into a thin folding device.

The company has not officially announced the iPhone Duo 2, confirmed its specifications or disclosed a launch timeline.