Apple plans telephoto camera and larger display for iPhone Duo
Apple is exploring plans to add a telephoto camera and a larger folding display to future versions of the iPhone Duo, although engineers have yet to determine when the camera upgrade could become technically feasible.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman discussed the company’s plans in the latest episode of his Power On podcast, revealing that Apple is considering several improvements to its foldable smartphone.
The first-generation iPhone Duo, which goes on sale on October 23 for $1,999, has two rear cameras but lacks the dedicated telephoto lens found on Apple’s Pro models.
According to Gurman, adding optical zoom is among Apple’s priorities for future generations, although the company faces significant engineering challenges.
«That’s on their list. I don’t know when that’s coming, but that’s gonna be hard to do,» he said.
Gurman explained that the main obstacle is the physical space required for telephoto optics rather than the cost of the components.
Unlike digital zoom, a dedicated telephoto camera requires an optical system capable of providing greater magnification without sacrificing image quality. Fitting such hardware into a folding smartphone could require changes to its internal design.
iPhone Duo 3 could get a bigger folding screen
Gurman also revealed that Apple is considering increasing the size of the inner display on its third-generation foldable, expected in 2028.
The current iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch folding OLED screen, but a future model could gain approximately half an inch.
That would bring the inner display to around 8 inches, although Gurman stressed that the increase would be relatively modest.
The outer display may not grow significantly, suggesting Apple wants to offer more screen space without substantially changing the phone’s overall dimensions.
The proposed upgrade would follow Apple’s approach to its conventional Pro smartphones, which have gradually gained larger displays over successive generations.
Face ID could arrive before the telephoto camera
Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly testing second-generation iPhone Duo prototypes with Face ID sensors beneath the outer display.
The technology could replace the side-mounted Touch ID fingerprint reader used in the current model.
According to Gurman, Apple is also exploring the addition of an Action button, another feature missing from the first-generation Duo.
The second-generation model is expected to launch in autumn 2027, although the company has not finalised which features will enter production.
