Apple delays foldable iPhone for quality; iPhone Duo pre-orders start Friday at 5 a.m. PT

Apple Chief Executive Officer John Ternus has publicly dismissed early foldable smartphones from competitors as feeling cheap and inferior, while highlighting the premium engineering behind the newly announced iPhone Duo. In a recent interview with TIME magazine, Ternus explained that Apple chose to delay its entry into the foldable market to ensure the final product met its high standards for design and durability, rather than rushing to match rivals who launched devices earlier.

The executive revealed that internal work on foldable technology began as far back as 2011, when he and five other engineers filed a patent application exploring flexible displays and battery configurations. Although competitors such as Samsung released their first foldable devices in 2019, Ternus maintained that the early examples on the market felt unsatisfactory. He stated that these initial attempts lacked the quality Apple required, prompting the company to invest additional time and resources into developing a superior alternative that would not compromise on user experience or build integrity.

What we know

According to TIME, Ternus was involved in early foldable research at Apple starting in 2011, a period when flip phones were still common. He noted that while OLED displays were destined to become flexible, the early implementations by other companies felt cheap and crappy. Richard Dinh, Apple’s VP of Product Design, recalled Ternus encouraging the team to reject surface materials similar to those used by competitors, even if they seemed adequate. This directive allowed the team to pursue a custom polymer surface and a nanotexture technology, resulting in a hinge with more than 100 tiny precision components that users say leaves barely detectable creases.

MacRumors reports that the iPhone Duo is available to pre-order starting this Friday at 5 a.m. Pacific Time. The device represents a significant shift in Apple’s product lineup, arriving nearly a decade after other manufacturers introduced foldable smartphones. Ternus has devoted much of his early tenure as CEO to design, spending multiple days a week with industrial-design and human-interface teams. This focus on aesthetics and manufacturing precision underscores Apple’s strategy to differentiate its foldable offering through superior materials and construction, rather than being the first to market.

Defender's checklist

• Verify pre-order details and shipping timelines directly through official Apple channels to avoid fraudulent listings.
• Check whether your existing accessories, such as cases or chargers, are compatible with the new iPhone Duo form factor.
• Review your current device’s warranty status to understand coverage options for the new hardware.
• Ensure your payment methods are secure and monitored for any unauthorised transactions during the pre-order period.

The background in plain language

When companies develop foldable devices, they face significant engineering challenges related to material durability and hinge mechanics. Teams usually prioritise creating a seamless user experience by minimising visible creases in the display and ensuring the device can withstand repeated folding. Guidance for this kind of event suggests checking whether the manufacturer has addressed common failure points, such as screen degradation or hinge stiffness. Users should also consider how the new form factor impacts daily usability, including pocketability and accessory compatibility, before committing to a purchase.

What to do and how to stay safe: Apple

• Wait for independent reviews and long-term durability tests before purchasing the device.
• Compare the iPhone Duo’s features and price against current non-foldable models to assess value.
• Monitor official announcements for any changes to pre-order availability or shipping dates.
• Ensure your current data backup is complete before transitioning to a new device type.

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

Frequently asked questions

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

John Ternus stated that early foldables from competitors felt cheap and crappy, so Apple took time to develop a premium alternative.

When can I pre-order the iPhone Duo?

Pre-orders are available starting this Friday at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, according to MacRumors.

What makes the iPhone Duo’s design different from earlier foldables?

It features a custom polymer surface, nanotexture technology, and a hinge with more than 100 precision components.