Apple CEO John Ternus discusses iPhone Duo and memory crisis

Apple CEO John Ternus has featured on the cover of TIME magazine’s Best Inventions of 2026 issue, marking his first major public interview since succeeding Tim Cook on September 1. The feature highlights the iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable smartphone, which utilizes a custom nanotextured polymer surface to minimize the screen crease and a hinge containing over 100 precision parts.

Ternus discussed the company’s long-term approach to foldable technology, noting that Apple engineers had filed a patent for a folding device as early as 2011. He emphasized that the company waited until the technology was ready to ensure a high-quality product compared to existing competitors.

Beyond hardware, Ternus addressed the global memory chip shortage, describing the current constraints as “absolutely a crisis.” He stated that Apple is keeping all options on the table to navigate the supply challenges, which are largely driven by high demand from AI data centers. The interview also touched upon the role of hardware in an increasingly AI-driven market, with Ternus asserting that physical devices will remain essential for human communication and interaction.