iPhone Duo launches with custom hinge after Apple waited years to fix cheap foldable flaws

The short version

• Apple CEO John Ternus described early competitor foldables as cheap and crappy.
• The company waited nearly a decade to launch its own foldable, the iPhone Duo.
• Pre-orders for the new device start this Friday at 5 a.m. Pacific Time.

The details

John Ternus, Apple’s CEO, participated in a wide-ranging interview with TIME magazine that centered on the upcoming iPhone Duo. The publication recently listed the iPhone Duo among its best inventions of 2026. Ternus discussed the long development cycle of the device, noting that Apple has been working on foldable technology since 2011. He explained that early attempts by other manufacturers in the 2010s did not meet his standards for quality or design. According to 9to5Mac, Ternus stated that those earlier examples felt kind of cheap and crappy. This sentiment influenced Apple’s decision to delay its own entry into the foldable market while other companies released products years earlier.

The context

Apple’s approach to the iPhone Duo involved significant engineering and design investment over many years. Ternus and five other engineers filed a patent application for foldable electronic devices in 2011, exploring necessary battery and circuit board innovations. Richard Dinh, Apple’s VP of Product Design, shared that Ternus encouraged the team to push boundaries in manufacturing rather than using standard materials.

This led to the development of a custom polymer surface with nanotexture technology. The hinge contains more than 100 tiny precision components. Early users have reported that the display crease is barely detectable, addressing a common complaint about previous foldable phones.

What to watch

The iPhone Duo is available for pre-order starting Friday at 5 a.m. Pacific Time. MacRumors reports that Apple opted to take its time with development to ensure a premium design. The launch marks Apple’s first major entry into the foldable smartphone segment, nearly a decade after competitors like Samsung released their first models. TechSec Headlines readers should monitor initial user reviews for durability and software performance, as these factors often impact enterprise device lifecycle planning. The focus on industrial design suggests Apple is prioritizing user experience over rapid market entry.

What it means for organisations

Organisations evaluating new mobile hardware should assess how delayed product launches affect their device refresh cycles. IT leaders need to determine if the premium build quality justifies the wait compared to existing market options. Procurement teams must verify supplier stability and component sourcing for new form factors. Security officers should review how the unique hinge and display technology might impact physical device integrity and repair logistics. Management should communicate the strategic reasons for adopting or delaying new hardware to end users to prevent confusion about device availability and support timelines.

What to do and how to stay safe: Apple

• Review current mobile device management policies to see if they support new form factors.
• Evaluate the total cost of ownership for premium devices versus standard models.
• Check with suppliers about long-term support and repair options for complex hinges.
• Monitor early user feedback for any unexpected hardware or software issues.

Step-by-step guide: Secure Home Routers for Small Business Networks

General security guidance from the TechSec Headlines newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

When can I pre-order the iPhone Duo?

Pre-orders start this Friday at 5 a.m. Pacific Time.

Why did Apple wait so long to release a foldable phone?

CEO John Ternus wanted to avoid the cheap quality of early competitor devices.

What is special about the iPhone Duo's design?

It features a custom polymer surface with nanotexture and a hinge with over 100 components.