Following Apple's recent event, newly appointed CEO John Ternus and Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Greg Joswiak spoke with tech journalists about the company's strategic move into foldable smartphones. The executives confirmed that the i Phone 18 Pro and the all-new i Phone Duo represent Apple's first official entry into the flexible display market, a segment long dominated by competitors. Their remarks came during a joint interview with Tom's Guide and TechRadar, where they addressed both product specifics and broader market timing.
Ternus explained that Apple's decision to launch a foldable device now stems from years of internal research and refinement, emphasizing that the company only enters new categories when it believes it can deliver a truly differentiated experience. He noted that advancements in hinge durability, display technology, and software integration have finally reached a point where Apple feels confident in offering a product that meets its standards for quality and usability. Joswiak added that consumer interest in larger, more versatile screens has grown significantly, particularly among professionals and creatives who seek seamless transitions between phone and tablet-like functionality.
According to Joswiak, the i Phone Duo is not simply a larger i Phone that folds—it is designed around a new interaction model centered on continuity and multitasking. He highlighted that iOS 18 includes system-level optimizations for the dual-screen layout, allowing apps to span both displays intelligently or operate independently based on user preference. Ternus pointed out that the device uses a custom titanium-reinforced hinge tested for over 200,000 folds, ensuring longevity without compromising the device's slim profile. Both executives stressed that the Duo maintains the same camera system and processing power as the i Phone 18 Pro, avoiding a compromise in performance for form factor.
When asked whether the i Phone Duo might cannibalize iPad sales, Ternus suggested the two devices serve distinct purposes, with the Duo focused on portability and one-handed use when folded, while the iPad remains the preferred tool for sustained creative work and media consumption. Joswiak noted that pricing reflects the Duo's premium positioning, targeting users who value innovation and are willing to invest in cutting-edge design. He added that early feedback from developer partners has been encouraging, especially regarding augmented reality and productivity apps that leverage the expanded screen real estate.
Is the i Phone Duo compatible with existing i Phone accessories? Yes, the i Phone Duo supports MagSafe accessories and uses the same Lightning-to-USB-C cable as the i Phone 18 Pro, though some cases and grips are designed specifically for its unique form factor.
Will there be a smaller version of the i Phone Duo in the future? Ternus indicated that Apple is exploring various foldable form factors but confirmed that the current Duo model is the initial offering, with future designs depending on user feedback and technological advances.
How does battery life compare to the standard i Phone 18 Pro? Despite the larger display area, Joswiak said the i Phone Duo offers comparable battery life to the i Phone 18 Pro due to efficient power management and a slightly larger internal battery optimized for the dual-screen configuration.