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John Ternus Discusses iPhone Duo Origins and Design Philosophy in TIME Interview
Key points
- iPhone Duo launches nearly a decade after other foldables.
- Ternus filed a foldable device patent in 2011.
- Apple aimed to avoid the 'cheap and crappy' feel of early foldables.
- iPhone Duo features a nanotexture surface and complex hinge for minimal crease.
iPhone Duo's Delayed Entry and Early Development
John Ternus, in an interview with TIME, discussed the iPhone Duo, which is entering the market almost a decade after other foldable devices. Ternus's involvement with foldable technology at Apple dates back to 2011, when he and five other engineers filed a patent application for foldable electronic devices. This early work explored necessary components like batteries and circuit boards for such designs, driven by the anticipation of flexible OLED displays.
Critique of Early Foldable Competitors
Ternus expressed dissatisfaction with early foldable attempts from other companies during the 2010s, describing them as feeling "cheap and crappy." This perception fueled Apple's internal drive to develop a foldable device that would differentiate itself from existing market offerings.
Commitment to Design and Innovation
Richard Dinh, Apple’s VP of Product Design, recounted how Ternus encouraged the team to dedicate more time and effort to the iPhone Duo project, even as competitors released their products. Dinh noted that Ternus pushed for innovation beyond what was considered 'good enough,' leading to advancements like the nanotexture surface. This surface, made from a custom polymer and integrated with a hinge containing over 100 precision components, has been noted by early users for its minimal crease.
Ternus's Focus on Design as CEO
The interview also highlighted Ternus's dedication to design in his role as CEO. He reportedly spends multiple days each week in the studio collaborating with industrial-design and human-interface teams, reinforcing Apple's continued emphasis on product aesthetics and user experience.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Apple's John Ternus discussed the development of the iPhone Duo, which is launching nearly a decade after other foldables, in a TIME interview. Ternus, who filed a foldable device patent in 2011, stated that early competitor foldables felt "cheap and crappy," driving Apple to invest more time in design and manufacturing innovations like its nanotexture surface and hinge system. This approach resulted in a device with a barely detectable crease, reflecting Apple's focus on design and engineering in its foldable entry.