Apple CEO John Ternus told Tom's Guide that the company only considers one point when making products: whether the idea meets the thresholds of quality, durability, and design. He believes the iPhone Duo is an example of creating something special by combining hardware and software, representing a greenfield for Apple where many things can be reimagined.

The interview took place after the September launch event, with Senior Vice President of Marketing Greg Joswiak present. Ternus mentioned that the moment came when he saw the nano-texture applied to a polymer surface instead of glass. This texture was previously used on the Mac and iPad Pro, and the Duo needed to be redesigned to minimize creases and reflections at the hinge. He criticized existing foldable screens on the market for their cheap plastic feel and wrinkled surfaces.

The device opens like a passport. The inner screen is 7.6 inches, the outer screen is 5.4 inches, covering about 90% of the iPhone 18 Pro's screen area, with both inner and outer ratios being 1:1.4. Joswiak stated that this ratio avoids the appearance of two phones clashing together. When unfolded, it is Apple's thinnest iPhone to date, with the hinge keeping the inner screen flat when opened. It has an IP68 rating for protection, and the side button includes Touch ID, allowing unlocking with an Apple Watch.

The software is iOS 27, which does not simply enlarge the phone interface. Apple Pencil will support both screens later. Joswiak explained the October launch as giving developers time, drawing a parallel to when the iPad could not just enlarge the phone interface. The starting price is $1999 for 256GB, $2199 for 512GB, and $3199 for 2TB. Pre-orders start on October 16, with delivery on October 23. This starting price is $100 higher than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and $100 lower than Samsung's square Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Ternus stated that it is more expensive than other phones, but he believes it is worth it. Joswiak mentioned that the name Duo reflects its nature as two products. After the ratio was leaked, Apple tightened the project's security. This is Ternus's first product explanation since taking over as CEO.

This is a competition for market share in high-priced foldable screens, not a low-cost volume play. The buyers are existing iPhone users willing to pay $1999 for a larger screen and stylus, while the sellers are Samsung and Google foldable devices that leave creases and plastic feel in the market. The beneficiaries are Apple, which can bring iOS 27 applications and Pencil to the 7.6-inch screen, while the pressured party is the Z Fold 8 at the same price point. Trade-in has been announced, but initial sales figures are not yet available.

Source: Public Information