Apple CEO Ternus Calls Early Foldables Cheap, Hails iPhone Duo Design
In a TIME interview, Apple CEO John Ternus criticized early competitor foldables as cheap while detailing the iPhone Duo's premium nanotexture and hinge engineering.
Key points
- Apple CEO John Ternus described early foldable devices from competitors as feeling "kind of cheap and crappy."
- The iPhone Duo features a custom polymer surface with nanotexture and a hinge containing over 100 precision components.
- Ternus has been involved in foldable technology research at Apple since filing a patent application in 2011.
Apple CEO John Ternus criticized the quality of early foldable smartphones in a recent interview with TIME magazine, describing them as feeling "kind of cheap and crappy." The executive made these comments while discussing the launch of Apple's own foldable device, the iPhone Duo, which appears on TIME’s list of best inventions of 2026.
Ternus stated that he and five other engineers filed a patent application for foldable electronic devices in 2011, exploring battery and circuit board requirements. He noted that it seemed clear flexible OLED displays would eventually become viable. This long-term development effort explains why Apple delayed its market entry until nearly a decade after other manufacturers released their first foldable phones.
Design and Engineering Choices
Richard Dinh, Apple’s VP of Product Design, reported that Ternus encouraged the team to invest significant time and effort into the project despite competitors beating them to market. When Dinh suggested using a top surface material similar to competitors' flawed options, Ternus refused, telling him, "You’ll know when it’s the right thing." This directive allowed the team to pursue a custom polymer surface with nanotexture and a hinge featuring more than 100 tiny interior precision components.
The resulting iPhone Duo has impressed early users, who reportedly can barely detect a crease on the display. Ternus has devoted much of his early tenure as CEO to design, spending multiple days a week with industrial-design and human-interface teams. This focus aligns with previous Bloomberg reporting on Ternus’s priorities, emphasizing a premium approach to manufacturing and innovation.
Market Context and Availability
The iPhone Duo is available for pre-order starting this Friday at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, according to MacRumors. Samsung released its first foldable device in 2019, but Apple opted to take its time to achieve a higher standard of build quality. Ternus’s involvement in foldable work dates back to 2011, when many consumers still carried flip phones, indicating a long-standing internal interest in the form factor.
The interview also touched on other topics, including artificial intelligence, but the primary focus remained on the iPhone Duo’s development journey. Ternus’s decision to prioritize design over speed to market reflects a broader strategy to differentiate Apple’s hardware from existing options. The company’s approach suggests a belief that premium materials and precise engineering are essential for consumer acceptance of foldable technology.
What should you do?
Users interested in the iPhone Duo should prepare for the pre-order launch this Friday at 5 a.m. Pacific Time. Those considering a foldable device should evaluate their tolerance for display creases and device thickness. Consumers should compare the iPhone Duo’s build quality against existing competitor models to determine if the delayed release offers sufficient advantages. Monitor official Apple channels for any updates regarding availability or shipping timelines.
What to do and how to stay safe: Apple
- Verify pre-order times and availability through official Apple channels before the Friday launch.
- Research current competitor foldable models to compare build quality, crease visibility, and hinge durability.
- Review user impressions and professional reviews of the iPhone Duo once they become available post-launch.
- Consider your specific use cases for a foldable device, such as multitasking or portability, before purchasing.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
When can I pre-order the iPhone Duo?
The iPhone Duo is available to pre-order starting this Friday at 5 a.m. Pacific Time.
Why did Apple wait so long to release a foldable phone?
Apple CEO John Ternus stated that early competitor foldables felt cheap and crappy, so Apple spent years developing a premium design with a custom polymer surface and precise hinge.
Who was involved in the early development of Apple's foldable technology?
John Ternus and five other engineers filed a patent application for foldable electronic devices in 2011, exploring necessary battery and circuit board technologies.
