Apple Opted for Touch ID Fingerprint Authentication Instead of Face ID on the iPhone Duo.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, officially went on sale on October 24 with a starting price of Dh8,499. However, just two days after its launch, attention is increasingly shifting from the device’s innovative features to concerns raised by early buyers and technology reviewers.
Three issues have emerged as major talking points: the phone’s fingerprint-based unlocking system, limitations in its camera setup and growing reports of cracks appearing on its foldable display.
Touch ID Unlocking Raises Frustration Among Users
One of the most frequently highlighted concerns involves the iPhone Duo’s authentication system.
Unlike Apple’s flagship iPhones equipped with Face ID, the foldable Duo relies on a Touch ID fingerprint sensor integrated into its side button.
Although the technology offers a familiar unlocking method, some reviewers have reported inconsistent performance, with the fingerprint reader occasionally failing to recognise a touch on the first attempt.
In its review of the device, PCMag noted that unlocking the iPhone Duo sometimes required multiple attempts. The publication also highlighted the placement of the fingerprint sensor along the phone’s right edge, which could make it less convenient for left-handed users.
Despite these shortcomings, the reviewer awarded the device an impressive 4.5-star rating, praising its hardware, processing capabilities and battery performance.
Nevertheless, for a premium smartphone costing Dh8,499, the need to repeatedly attempt fingerprint authentication could become a noticeable inconvenience during everyday use.
‘Crackgate’ Sparks Fresh Questions About Durability
Beyond the unlocking experience, another issue is beginning to attract attention among early iPhone Duo owners.
Some users have reported cracks developing on the foldable screen, prompting the emergence of the nickname ‘Crackgate’ across online discussions.
Screen durability has long been a concern for foldable smartphones because their flexible displays and hinge mechanisms are subjected to repeated bending and mechanical stress.
Unlike conventional smartphones with rigid displays, foldable devices must withstand thousands of opening and closing movements while maintaining screen integrity.
Apple has not yet provided a detailed explanation of the reported cracking incidents or identified a confirmed cause.
Until further information becomes available, these reports could encourage potential buyers to delay their purchase, particularly given the device’s premium price.
Apple Reportedly Testing Under-Display Face ID for iPhone Duo 2
The fingerprint authentication concerns may eventually be addressed in future generations of Apple’s foldable smartphone.
According to PCMag, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman revealed during an episode of his Power On podcast that Apple is already experimenting with iPhone Duo 2 prototypes featuring Face ID technology beneath the external display.
Gurman indicated that some internal prototypes incorporate both an under-display facial recognition sensor and a camera integrated into the outer screen.
He suggested that Apple could replace Touch ID with Face ID within the next one or two generations, potentially bringing the technology to its foldable lineup in approximately two to three years.
However, the feature remains under development, and Apple has not officially confirmed plans for its introduction.
Why Did Apple Choose Touch ID Instead of Face ID?
Apple has not publicly explained its decision to omit Face ID from the first-generation iPhone Duo.
One possible reason is the limited internal space available within the device’s exceptionally slim design.
The iPhone Duo measures just 5.2mm thick, making it challenging to accommodate the components required for Apple’s TrueDepth facial recognition system.
Face ID relies on several sensors and cameras that work together to create a three-dimensional map of the user’s face.
Integrating these components into such a thin foldable smartphone presents significant engineering challenges.
Developing under-display Face ID technology could offer a potential solution by allowing Apple to incorporate facial recognition hardware without significantly increasing the device’s thickness.
Telephoto Camera and Larger Display Could Arrive in Future Models
Authentication technology is not the only area Apple is reportedly considering improving.
Reviewers have also criticised the absence of a dedicated telephoto camera, a feature already available on Apple’s premium Pro-series iPhones.
According to Gurman, Apple is exploring the possibility of adding a telephoto lens to future iPhone Duo models, although no specific launch timeline has been established.
The challenge once again involves the device’s slim construction, as optical zoom systems typically require additional internal space.
Bigger Foldable Screen Under Consideration
Future generations of the iPhone Duo could also feature a larger internal display.
The current model opens to reveal a 7.6-inch screen, while Gurman suggested that Apple may eventually increase the display size to somewhere between 8.5 and 9 inches.
Such an upgrade would bring the foldable smartphone closer to the dimensions of a compact tablet, potentially improving productivity, entertainment and multitasking experiences.
iPhone Duo vs iPhone 18 Pro: Camera Differences
The camera specifications also highlight some compromises Apple has made to achieve the Duo’s foldable design.
While the iPhone 18 Pro offers a three-camera system, the iPhone Duo features two rear cameras:
- 48MP Fusion main camera
- 48MP Fusion ultra-wide camera
The iPhone 18 Pro, by comparison, includes an additional 48MP telephoto camera with 4x optical zoom.
Its telephoto sensor can also produce 12MP images at an equivalent 8x zoom level using what Apple describes as optical-quality cropping.
The iPhone Duo, meanwhile, offers up to 2x optical-quality zoom through its main camera rather than a dedicated telephoto lens.
Other differences include the absence of the iPhone 18 Pro’s variable-aperture main camera system on the Duo.
The Pro model also benefits from second-generation sensor-shift image stabilisation, whereas the Duo uses an earlier version of the technology.
For selfies and video calls, the Duo includes a 12MP front-facing camera, compared with the iPhone 18 Pro’s 18MP Center Stage camera.
These differences demonstrate how Apple’s foldable design prioritises portability and screen flexibility while making certain compromises in camera hardware.
Should You Buy the iPhone Duo Now or Wait?
The first-generation iPhone Duo delivers a premium foldable smartphone experience, combining advanced hardware, strong performance and impressive battery life.
However, prospective buyers may want to consider several reported limitations before purchasing.
The inconsistent fingerprint unlocking experience, emerging screen durability complaints and absence of a dedicated telephoto camera are among the main concerns highlighted by early reviews.
Reports that Apple is already experimenting with under-display Face ID, improved camera hardware and larger screens suggest that future generations could address some of these shortcomings.
For technology enthusiasts eager to experience Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the Duo remains an attractive option.
However, buyers who prioritise reliability, camera versatility and a more refined user experience may prefer to wait for a second- or third-generation model, when some of the current limitations could potentially be resolved.
