An interview with John Ternus on the iPhone Duo, memory shortages, more; he says "all options should be on the table" after reports Apple tested Chinese chips

Apple's foldable iPhone is now available for pre-order at $1,999 and up.

Apple has unveiled its new foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, with CEO John Ternus leading the launch event. Ternus, who recently took over as CEO, emphasized Apple's focus on creating practical, privacy-preserving AI and physical products, contrasting with the broader industry's race towards super-intelligence. The iPhone Duo represents Apple's most significant iPhone design change since 2007, featuring a foldable OLED display, a new display engine, and a redesigned iOS for seamless transitions between its inner and outer screens. The device aims to offer a compact, pocketable form factor that unfolds into a tablet-like experience, with a durable hinge and a nearly invisible crease, a significant improvement over earlier foldable phone attempts. Ternus highlighted the company's engineering expertise, particularly in hardware and software integration, as key to developing such innovative products, signaling a return to Apple's product-centric roots.

Apple's strategy, as articulated by CEO John Ternus, positions the company to capitalize on the enduring demand for physical devices and personalized, privacy-focused AI, even as competitors pour resources into advanced AI development. This approach suggests that Apple believes the future of personal technology will balance cutting-edge AI with the tangible user experience of its hardware ecosystem. By focusing on these core strengths, Apple aims to maintain its relevance and user loyalty, regardless of the pace of AI breakthroughs elsewhere.

The introduction of the iPhone Duo signals a potential shift in Apple's product development philosophy, prioritizing radical hardware innovation alongside its renowned software integration. This move could reignite competition in the foldable smartphone market, forcing rivals to accelerate their own advancements in durability, display technology, and user experience. Apple's ability to execute on the Duo's design and functionality will be closely watched, as it could set new benchmarks for the entire industry and influence consumer adoption of foldable form factors.