Apple CEO John Ternus has offered new details about the iPhone Duo’s design, the engineering challenges behind the foldable device, and his plans for Apple. In an interview with Canal+ talk show Clique, Ternus also discussed Siri AI, his surprise at being considered for the CEO role, and his first opportunity to deliver “one more thing” on stage.

Why the iPhone Duo opens like an iPad

Ternus said Apple chose an iPad-like shape for the iPhone Duo’s unfolded display instead of joining two conventional phone-shaped screens. The goal, he explained, was to create a large-screen experience with proportions that felt natural, drawing on Apple’s experience designing the iPad.

Apple developed a new aspect ratio for the device rather than simply combining two existing phone designs. Ternus described that approach as an attempt to create something new and distinctive while avoiding an awkward square shape.

Developing the iPhone Duo involved “so many problems” to solve, according to Ternus. He pointed to the hinge and display as two major hardware engineering challenges, particularly the need to make both components reliable. The project also gave Apple’s engineers an opportunity to develop new solutions rather than follow established foldable designs.

Ternus highlights the iPhone Duo’s opening animation

Asked about his favorite feature or trick on the iPhone Duo, Ternus demonstrated the animation that appears as the device opens. He described the effect as whimsical and fun, saying it is designed to make users smile as the screen expands from one side to the other.

The comments underline Apple’s focus on small interface details alongside the device’s more visible hardware changes. The opening animation is part of the experience Apple created around the foldable form factor.

Apple says Siri AI is not a human companion

Ternus also repeated Apple’s position that Siri AI is not intended to act as a friend. He said the system is not designed to replace human relationships, which he described as essential to learning, personal growth, joy, and happiness.

That stance places limits on how Apple wants users to think about AI assistants. Rather than presenting Siri as a substitute for personal connections, Apple is framing it as a tool that supports people without attempting to replicate those relationships.

No radical change planned under Ternus

Ternus said Tim Cook and Apple’s board asked whether he would consider becoming the company’s next CEO. He said the question surprised him, adding that he never imagined he would be asked to take on the role.

Despite the leadership change, Ternus said Apple’s priorities remain consistent. He does not view his appointment as a radical shift or a return to a fundamentally different Apple. Instead, he pointed to the company’s continuing focus on innovation, products, engineering, and customers.

Ternus said he is passionate about building products and is looking forward to continuing that work as CEO. He also called it “magical” to say “one more thing” during Apple’s September event, a phrase he had previously heard Steve Jobs and Cook use on stage.