iPhone Duo: Apple managers explain display, operating concept, and price

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That Apple is equipping its first foldable with a nanotexture display was one of the surprises at the presentation of the iPhone Duo. Although the US company could not keep many details of the folding iPhone secret in advance, one of the most striking innovations remained under wraps. In two video interviews, the new Apple boss John Ternus and Marketing Chief Greg Joswiak have now provided insights into the development of the Duo – and explained, among other things, the display, operating concept, and the high price.

With nanotexture, which reduces reflections and gives the display a matte surface, Apple has years of experience with Macs and iPads. For the iPhone Duo, however, the process had to be newly developed according to Ternus: Unlike on those devices, the nanotexture is applied to a polymer surface. Among other things, it is intended to reduce the screen crease at the hinge, which Ternus criticized in competing foldables. Other basic principles were stability and maximum flatness. Apple therefore developed the display and hinge hand in hand, the two explained to TechRadar and Tom’s Guide.

According to Joswiak, the Duo was more tightly sealed off than other projects. Apple even made an unusual choice for its internal codename. The numerous leaks about the device’s design were apparently also a factor.

The question of controls

The controls also received a lot of attention during and after the presentation of the Duo. Many buttons that are located at the top of the navigation bar or at the bottom of the toolbar on a classic iPhone have moved to the right edge of the screen on the Duo. The reason for this decision was to regain vertical space when unfolded, according to Ternus. Another advantage: The controls are located under the right thumb in both the unfolded and folded states.

Whether this is actually worth at least 2,299 euros to many buyers remains to be seen. After initial hands-on impressions from journalists following the keynote, initial deficits of the foldable also became apparent, for example with the internal camera and the operation for left-handers. Ternus takes a matter-of-fact tone when explaining the high price: The Duo is a complex and elaborately constructed device and offers good value for money despite the higher price. At the same time, he refers to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Apple deliberately wants to offer devices for different priorities.

iPhone remains central

Ternus does not see a departure from the classic smartphone in favor of the foldable or other devices. When asked if Apple’s new positioning of the iPhone as an “Intelligent Personal Hub” means a shift away from the previous wearable trend, the Apple executive disagrees. Wearables like Apple Watch and AirPods remain important. However, the iPhone has decisive advantages, including its computing power, battery life, and display. The new designation is therefore less a course correction than a description of the strategy already being pursued.

Ternus also sees no apparent breach of taboo with the Apple Pencil. Even when it was introduced for the iPad, observers repeatedly invoked an old quote from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who had decisively rejected a stylus for the iPhone. Ternus sees the Duo’s Pencil support as a logical extension – similar to the iPad at the time. However, the foldable can of course also be operated without a stylus. Ternus did not comment on possible Pencil support for future iPhones. Joswiak also explained that the name “Duo” deliberately stands for two product experiences in one device.

This is also evident in the software. When asked if the later launch in October is intended to give developers more time for apps specifically adapted to the Duo, Joswiak drew a comparison to the iPad. As back then, the larger display should not simply show an inflated smartphone interface. Instead, apps should specifically utilize the additional space.

Variable aperture in iPhone 18 Pro

Further questions concerned the new iPhone 18 Pro and its variable aperture in the wide-angle camera. Six aperture blades are automatically controlled. For everyday users, this is intended to enable better shots in low light and offer more control over depth of field, for example in group photos.

Ternus does not share concerns about additional moving parts in the smartphone. Such components are nothing new for Apple: image stabilization and autofocus already work with moving components. Apple protects itself against unpleasant surprises by selecting suitable materials and conducting long-term reliability tests. However, Ternus did not reveal any details when asked jokingly whether the new aperture mechanism is manufactured by hand or by robots.

No answer regarding the missing iPhone 18

Ternus and Joswiak were significantly less forthcoming about the most striking gap in the new portfolio. Apple did not present a regular iPhone 18 alongside the new Pro models. When asked about the reasons, the managers did not give a concrete answer.

According to media reports, the iPhone 18 is expected to follow in spring 2027. This would mean Apple would separate the release of the cheaper iPhones from the Pro models in the fall for the first time.

(mki)