Apple CEO John Ternus gave an interview to Canal+ talk show Clique after Apple’s September event. He discussed the design of the iPhone Duo, the difficulties Apple faced during its development, his plans for Apple, and much more.
Regarding the design of the iPhone Duo, Ternus explained why Apple opted for an iPad-like shape when the device is unfolded.
I think it’s something new and unique, right? But I think we didn’t want to just do what we’d seen others do, which was take two phone shapes and glue them together to get this weird square thing. We came to this because we wanted to create a big screen experience that works for us. And obviously, we’ve been doing this for a long time with the iPad. And so we knew the shape, you know, we found this new aspect ratio.
Ternus said that when developing the iPhone Duo there were “so many problems” to solve, but a foldable was an opportunity for Apple employees to “be really smart” and “come up with entirely new things.” He said some of the hardware engineering issues Apple had to resolve were hinge and display design, as well as their reliability.
When asked to share his favorite iPhone Duo trick, Ternus showed the device opening animation. “I mean, it’s really fun, you know, the animation you get when you open it from side to side. It’s just a little bit whimsical and fun. And it makes you smile.”
Ternus reiterated Apple’s stance on AI companions, saying Siri AI is “not designed to be your friend,” something we heard earlier this year from Craig Federighi. Ternus said Apple doesn’t want to replace human connections. “It is through them that we learn, that we grow, that we find joy and happiness,” he said.
Then-CEO Tim Cook and the Apple board asked Ternus if he wanted to be Apple’s next CEO. Ternus did not say when he was approached, but said the question came as a surprise. “When Tim asked me if this was something I would consider, I said the good news is I was sitting down, because I never imagined this would happen,” Ternus said.
As Apple CEO, Ternus said he wasn’t considering a radical change. He was asked if Apple was returning to its roots under his leadership, with a greater emphasis on engineered products.
I don’t think anything has really changed. Of course, I’m new to this job, but the focus on innovation, the focus on products and most importantly on our customers, that has never changed. It’s been there from the beginning.
I’m super passionate about products. I love building things. That’s why I’ve been here so long. That’s why I love what I do. And so I’m excited to keep doing that. But I don’t see this as a radical change.
Ternus said it was “amazing” to be able to say “one more thing” on stage at Apple’s September event. “I saw Steve say it and I saw Tim say it,” he said. “And so having the opportunity for me to say it was pretty magical. A little bit creepy.”
The full interview includes Ternus’ thoughts on Tim Cook, the AI race, Apple’s environmental goals, Vision Pro, the new parental controls added in iOS 27, and more.
