TIME Magazine has recognized the iPhone Duo as one of the best inventions of 2026, featuring Apple’s Senior Vice President, John Ternus, on its cover. In a recent interview, Ternus shared insights about the new device’s journey and Apple’s vision for the future.
Insights from John Ternus on iPhone Duo’s Development
In an in-depth dialogue with TIME, Ternus elaborated on the historical context and challenges surrounding the iPhone Duo’s development—an endeavor that traces back to 2011 when he first explored the concept of foldable devices.
“In 2011, when many people still carried around flip phones, Ternus and five other engineers filed a patent application for foldable electronic devices, exploring what kind of batteries and circuit boards might be needed for such an idea. ‘It felt clear that we were going to eventually get to a place where OLED displays were going to be flexible,’ Ternus says.”
Ternus expressed skepticism about earlier foldable devices from competitor brands, describing them as “cheap and crappy.” This critical viewpoint spurred Apple to maintain a focus on excellence and innovation during its development cycle.
Richard Dinh, Apple’s VP of Product Design, recounted Ternus’s steadfast dedication to creating a device that surpasses existing market offerings:
“Along the way, Ternus encouraged the team to invest more time and effort in the project, even as other foldables beat them to market…‘Look, Rich, you’ll know when it’s the right thing.’ And that gave us the confidence to really push the boundaries on innovation and manufacturing.”
Dinh adds, “The result—a surface made from a custom polymer and built atop a hinge with more than 100 tiny interior precision components—has impressed its first users, who have said they can barely detect a crease at all.”
Ternus has dedicated significant time to focusing on design elements, often spending several days each week collaborating with industrial design and human interface teams.
Additional Highlights from the Interview
In the interview, Ternus also discussed several overarching themes relevant to Apple’s innovation strategy:
- Collaboration with AI: Ternus explained that the future of Apple Intelligence relies on Gemini technology, emphasizing differentiation over merely replicating existing technologies.
- Siri’s Unique Features: He highlighted Siri AI’s distinct capabilities, stating, “Everything in your life is on your phone… you can leverage all that information to do things, learn things, and figure out things in a way that nobody else can do.”
- Adrenaline-Fueled Preparation: Ternus admitted to a lack of sleep leading up to the September event, attributing it to “adrenaline and caffeine and excitement for the day.”
For a deeper exploration of Ternus’s insights and the complete interview, you can read the full article available through TIME.
What are Your Thoughts?
What stands out to you from this interview with John Ternus? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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