Technology 4 min read By Morgan Griffin
John Ternus Debuts as Apple CEO, Unveils Foldable iPhone Duo
Apple CEO John Ternus made his first product event appearance, introducing the foldable iPhone Duo with a 7.6-inch display, AI-powered Siri, and new AirPods and Apple Watch models.
John Ternus made his debut as Apple's chief executive at the company's annual product event on Wednesday, where he introduced the iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable smartphone, alongside a suite of AI-driven updates across its product line.
The iPhone Duo features a book-style foldable design with an internal dual-display panel measuring 7.6 inches diagonally when opened, making it the largest and most immersive screen ever on an iPhone, according to Apple. The unfolded screen is 80% larger than that of the current Pro model and 50% larger than the previous largest iPhone display. The device is also the thinnest iPhone the company has produced, with a relatively small outer display for quick interactions when folded.
Apple positioned the Duo as a corrective to earlier foldable efforts by competitors, arguing that no other foldable has gotten the formula right. The company emphasized the device's balance of portability and expanded screen real estate, a combination it says has eluded other manufacturers.
The event, branded «Surprise and Shine,» took place on Wednesday, September 9. While the foldable headlined the announcements, Apple also rolled out iterative improvements to the iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch, all designed around an updated, AI-powered Siri. The new AirPods 5 and the latest iPhone 18 Pro models were among the hardware updates presented.
Netflix is among a handful of pre-release partners that have been working with Apple to redesign their iOS apps for the Duo's larger screen. The streaming service plans to use the expanded display to deliver what it describes as a «big-screen feeling» on a mobile device, suggesting the foldable form factor could shift how entertainment apps approach mobile viewing.
Ternus's appearance marks a leadership transition for Apple, which has long been associated with his predecessor's product launch style. His debut at the helm of the company's flagship event signals continuity in Apple's approach to hardware and AI integration, even as the company enters the foldable market years after rivals like Samsung.
The iPhone Duo's launch comes as the foldable category has struggled to gain mainstream traction in the United States, with high prices and durability concerns limiting adoption. Apple's entry, backed by its scale and developer ecosystem, could accelerate the format's acceptance among mainstream consumers.
Pricing and availability details for the iPhone Duo were not fully disclosed during the event. Apple typically announces complete pricing and release dates closer to the device's shipping window. The company has not yet confirmed which markets will receive the Duo first.
The event underscored Apple's push to weave AI more deeply into its hardware, with the updated Siri serving as a connective thread across the new iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch lineup. The company has faced pressure to demonstrate tangible AI features as competitors race to integrate generative tools into consumer devices.
For Netflix and other partners, the Duo represents a test of whether a larger mobile canvas can change viewing habits. The streaming giant's early involvement suggests content companies see foldables as a potential bridge between phone and tablet experiences, though the audience for such devices remains unproven.
Apple's foldable arrives as the company seeks to reignite growth in its smartphone business, which has matured in key markets. A new form factor, combined with AI features, gives Apple a fresh narrative for its most important product line.
Ternus, a longtime Apple hardware executive, now leads a company navigating both technical ambition and market skepticism. His first event placed hardware innovation and AI at the center, setting the tone for his tenure as CEO.
