After Apple’s event this week, newly appointed CEO John Ternus and marketing SVP Greg Joswiak spoke in an interview about the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo.
During conversations with Tom’s Guide and TechRadar, Ternus and Joswiak explained why Apple believed the timing was right to move into the foldable-phone market. Ternus also shared how he felt at the end of his first week as Apple’s CEO.
Explaining why Apple decided the moment was right to unveil iPhone Duo, Ternus said the company focuses on whether a product concept satisfies its standards for quality, durability, and design. He highlighted the Duo as an especially strong example of hardware and software working together to create something distinctive.
“I think for us, it’s always about when do we feel like we have a product idea that meets our bar for quality and durability, but also for design. What I think is particularly amazing about the Duo is, it’s such a good example of hardware and software coming together to make something really special.
It was like a green field of opportunity for us because there was opportunity to rethink so many different things. And I think you see that in the hardware, and you see that in the software, and the design. It all kind of came together and felt like it was the right product.
According to Ternus, the project opened up a blank canvas that allowed Apple to reconsider numerous elements. He said that new approach is visible across the device’s hardware, software, and overall design, which ultimately came together as the right product.
Joswiak added that Apple did not find what other smartphone manufacturers had done in the foldable category particularly compelling. Ternus also criticized competing foldable displays, describing their plastic surfaces as unpleasant to touch and noting that they felt inexpensive, wavy, and wrinkled.
When asked when he first learned that he would become Apple’s CEO, Ternus described the opportunity as extraordinary. He said Apple is part of who he is, having spent half his life there, and expressed deep affection for his colleagues and the products they create together. He recalled feeling excited and getting goosebumps while looking forward to the company’s future.
It’s amazing, what an extraordinary privilege, right? The reality is I just, I love this place. It’s in my blood. I’ve been here for half my life. I love the people I work with. I love to be able to build the products that we all build together. And so goosebumps, excitement and yeah, just real, like really, really excited about the future.
Both sections of the interview are available to watch below.
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