John Ternus and Greg Joswiak reveal why now is the time for iPhone Duo

Following this week's Apple event, newly appointed Apple CEO John Ternus and marketing SVP Greg Joswiak sat down for an exclusive interview with Tom's Guide and TechRadar. The conversation covered the iPhone 18 Pro, the newly unveiled iPhone Duo, and Ternus's emotional first week at the helm of the company.

The interview marks the first major public appearance for Ternus since taking over as CEO. It offered rare insight into Apple's long-awaited entry into the foldable smartphone segment.

The Foldable Market Entry

Ternus explained that Apple's decision to announce the iPhone Duo came down to timing and product readiness. He emphasized that the company waits until a product idea meets its strict standards for quality, durability, and design.

"For us, it's always about when do we feel like we have a product idea that meets our bar for quality and durability, but also for design," Ternus stated. He described the Duo as an exceptional example of hardware and software converging to create something truly special.

The iPhone Duo represented what Ternus called a "green field of opportunity" for Apple. The team had the chance to rethink countless aspects of the device, from the hinge mechanism to the display technology and the software experience.

Why Competitors Fell Short

Joswiak was blunt about Apple's perspective on existing foldable phones. He said what Apple observed other smartphone makers doing in the foldable space "wasn't very inspiring."

Ternus elaborated on the shortcomings of competing devices, criticizing their build quality and materials. He described rival foldables as having "cheap-feeling plastic surfaces" that are unpleasant to touch, with displays that are "wavy" and "wrinkly".

These criticisms highlight Apple's focus on premium materials and refined craftsmanship. The iPhone Duo was designed to address these pain points with a more durable hinge and a display that maintains a smooth, flat appearance even after repeated folding.

John Ternus's First Week as CEO

When asked about the moment he learned he would become Apple CEO, Ternus described an overwhelming sense of privilege and gratitude. He revealed that Apple is deeply personal to him, noting that he has been at the company for half his life.

"I love this place. It's in my blood," Ternus said. He expressed genuine excitement about working with his colleagues and building products collaboratively, calling the experience "goosebumps" inducing.

Ternus's passion for Apple's mission was evident throughout the interview. He spoke about the future with palpable enthusiasm, saying he is "really, really excited about the future" of the company.

Hardware and Software Integration

The iPhone Duo was a central topic of discussion, with Ternus highlighting the seamless integration between hardware and software. He described the device as a showcase of Apple's ability to create a unified experience across both domains.

The foldable form factor required Apple to rethink its entire software interface. The iPhone Duo runs a custom version of iOS designed specifically to take advantage of the flexible display, offering new multitasking capabilities and adaptive layouts.

Ternus emphasized that the Duo's development was a holistic process. The hardware team, software engineers, and designers worked in tandem from the start, ensuring that every element of the device felt intentional and cohesive.

The iPhone 18 Pro Connection

The interview also touched on the iPhone 18 Pro, which shares several design philosophies with the Duo. Both devices prioritize build quality, display performance, and user experience above all else.

While the iPhone 18 Pro remains a traditional slab design, it benefits from the same materials research and manufacturing techniques developed for the foldable Duo. This cross-pollination of ideas reflects Apple's broader approach to product development.

Ternus and Joswiak both hinted that the innovations in the iPhone Duo would eventually influence future products across Apple's lineup. The company's investment in flexible display technology is likely to yield benefits beyond the foldable category.

Joswiak's Marketing Perspective

Greg Joswiak, who has served as Apple's marketing SVP for years, offered his take on why the Duo was worth the wait. He suggested that entering a market with a superior product is far more valuable than being first to market.

Joswiak noted that Apple's brand equity depends on delivering products that feel premium and work flawlessly. The iPhone Duo was held back until it could meet those expectations, regardless of competitive pressure.

He also emphasized that the Duo would appeal to a broad audience, not just early adopters. The device's polished software experience and robust hardware make it accessible to mainstream users who may have been skeptical of foldables.

Design Philosophy and Durability

Ternus elaborated on the Duo's design process, describing the engineering challenges involved in creating a foldable display that doesn't show creases or wrinkles. Apple developed a new hinge mechanism and display stack to achieve this goal.

The Duo features a 7.6-inch flexible OLED display that folds inward, protected by a ceramic shield coating. Apple claims the device can withstand over 200,000 folds without degradation, a number that significantly exceeds typical usage patterns.

Durability testing was extensive, with Apple subjecting the Duo to extreme temperature, pressure, and torsion tests. The result is a device that feels as solid as a traditional smartphone despite its moving parts.

Software Innovations in the Duo

The software experience on the iPhone Duo was designed from scratch to leverage the foldable form factor. Apps can seamlessly transition between phone and tablet modes as the device opens and closes.

Apple introduced a new "Continuity View" feature that allows users to run two apps side by side with full functionality. The company also redesigned its core apps, including Safari, Messages, and Photos, to take advantage of the larger unfolded canvas.

Ternus highlighted that the software team worked closely with third-party developers to ensure their apps would work flawlessly on the Duo at launch. This ecosystem support is crucial for the device's long-term success.

The Future of Apple Under Ternus

Ternus's leadership marks a new chapter for Apple, and the iPhone Duo signals his willingness to take risks. The company is entering new product categories while maintaining its focus on quality and user experience.

Industry analysts view the Duo as a statement of intent from Apple. The company is not merely responding to competitors but defining what a premium foldable should be.

Ternus closed the interview by reiterating his commitment to Apple's core values. He emphasized that the company will continue to innovate across hardware, software, and services, always with the goal of enriching users' lives.

Interview Availability

The full interview with Ternus and Joswiak was released in two parts across Tom's Guide and TechRadar. Both outlets published video segments alongside written summaries of the conversation.

Viewers can watch the complete discussion on the respective websites of Tom's Guide and TechRadar. The interview provides an unprecedented look at Apple's strategic thinking under its new CEO.

The timing of the interview, just days after the Apple event, underscores the company's desire to communicate directly with consumers and press about its latest announcements.