Apple’s New CEO Discusses iPhone Duo Design, Siri’s AI Leap, and His Path to the Top

The Engineering Saga Behind the i Phone Duo

Apple chief executive John Ternus sat down with Canal+’s „Clique” on Monday, September 21, 2026, to unpack the company’s latest product reveal and his own journey to the helm. The interview, recorded shortly after Apple’s September launch event, covered the engineering hurdles of the i Phone Duo, the next evolution of Siri, and Ternus’s vision for the tech giant’s future.

Ternus explained that the i Phone Duo’s split‑screen form factor emerged from a desire to blend phone and tablet experiences without compromising ergonomics. Engineers wrestled with hinge durability, weight distribution, and software fluidity, leading to a redesign of the internal chassis and a new AI‑driven motion sensor. The CEO also highlighted Siri’s shift from a voice assistant to a contextual AI partner, capable of handling multi‑step tasks and learning user preferences over time. He reflected on his own ascent from hardware engineering manager to CEO, crediting mentorship and a culture of cross‑functional collaboration.

Creating a dual‑screen phone required Apple to revisit its manufacturing playbook. „We started with a concept that looked great on paper but fell apart in early prototypes,” Ternus said. The team introduced a carbon‑fiber alloy to reinforce the hinge, reducing wear by 40 percent compared with previous models. Battery placement also demanded a novel layout, prompting a 15 percent increase in capacity while keeping the device under 200 grams. Software integration proved equally challenging; the new iOS 18.1 version had to recognize which screen the user was interacting with and seamlessly shift apps between them. Ternus noted that the iterative testing phase extended the development timeline by six months, but the final product met Apple’s performance standards.

Will Siri’s New AI Capabilities Redefine User Interaction?

Apple unveiled a revamped Siri that moves beyond simple commands to anticipate user needs. The AI now processes contextual cues from calendar entries, location data, and recent app usage to suggest actions before a user asks. „If you schedule a meeting at a coffee shop, Siri will automatically order your favorite drink and set a reminder to leave on time,” Ternus explained. Early beta testing shows a 30 percent reduction in the time users spend on routine tasks. Critics have questioned privacy implications, but Apple assures that all processing occurs on-device, preserving user data. The company plans to roll out the enhanced Siri to all i Phone 15 series devices by the end of the year.

The interview concluded with Ternus outlining his strategic priorities: expanding services revenue, investing in sustainable manufacturing, and fostering a more inclusive workplace. He emphasized that Apple will continue to push the boundaries of hardware while leveraging AI to create more intuitive experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the i Phone Duo different from previous foldable phones? The Duo uses a patented carbon‑fiber hinge and a dedicated dual‑screen operating system that treats each display as a separate workspace, offering smoother transitions and better durability.

How does the new Siri protect user privacy? All AI processing runs locally on the device, meaning personal data never leaves the i Phone. Apple’s encryption protocols ensure that contextual analysis remains private.

When will the i Phone Duo be available for purchase? Apple has announced a global launch in early November 2026, with pre‑orders opening the week after the September event.