Apple’s foldable smartphone is gearing up for its market debut: the new iPhone Duo hits stores on October 23. Shortly before its retail release, company executives shared insights into its development during an interview with GQ magazine. The conversation focused on the hinge, display proportions, and software adaptations of the new device, which we previously examined in our iPhone Duo hands-on.
The Notebook as a Blueprint for Shape and Hinge
The discussion included Apple executive John Ternus, Head of Industrial Design Molly Anderson, and Head of Interface Design Steve Lemay. According to Anderson, a classic notebook served as the central touchstone for the design, as it represents a familiar object that many users carry around daily anyway. The goal was to provide generous screen real estate while keeping the device compact when folded shut.
For the proportions, the design team drew inspiration from international ISO paper formats (the DIN A series). Since an A-format sheet retains the same aspect ratio when folded, the iPhone Duo maintains identical proportions whether open or closed. When opening the device, Apple relies on variable torque resistance in the hinge: the chassis begins opening easily before gliding smoothly on its own into a flat, fully unfolded position toward the end of the movement.
A Seamless Software Transition
For the user interface, Interface Lead Steve Lemay aimed to make the hardware feel like a single cohesive device rather than two loosely tethered screens. When unfolded, the display should visually convey to users that the device is merely expanding in their hands. Controls stay in their expected positions and do not alter their appearance, preventing users from having to search for buttons again.
Lemay cited the iPhone, iPad, and Mac as conceptual influences for the software—viewing the final result as a curation of the best traits across all three systems. In addition, the company is counting on third-party developers to create new use cases that will further shape the interaction model in the future.
The Takeaway: A Steep Entry Price of 2,299 Euros
With a starting price of 2,299 euros, Apple positions the iPhone Duo well above conventional smartphones. The price tag underscores that despite its everyday notebook-inspired philosophy, Apple’s foldable smartphone will initially remain a high-priced niche product for early adopters. Prospective buyers should keep in mind that many of the promised software capabilities heavily rely on upcoming app adaptations by third-party developers. Whether the mechanical design holds up in daily long-term use will become clear once shipments begin in late October.
Sources: macerkopf.de
