Written by M Akshay | Bestructure
Published: October 23, 2026, 02:47 PM IST | Last Updated: October 23, 2026, 02:47 PM IST
Apple is going through one of its biggest changes in years, and the man leading it has just spoken openly about where the company is heading. In a new interview with TIME, recorded at Apple Park in Cupertino, John Ternus talked about the iPhone Duo, Apple’s approach to AI, child safety, and the role design plays in every decision. A mechanical engineer by training and a 25 year Apple veteran, Ternus took over as CEO in September, so every word of this John Ternus TIME interview gives a hint about Apple’s next chapter.
We went through the interview coverage from multiple sources and picked out only what actually matters to you. Here is the full picture, in simple words.
John Ternus TIME Interview: The Key Takeaways
| Topic | What Ternus Highlighted |
|---|---|
| Hardware | The iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable |
| AI | A product first, everyday approach rather than a race for the biggest model |
| Privacy | Apple says it cannot see users’ personal data |
| Parents | New screen time and child safety tools with the American Academy of Pediatrics |
| Design | Designers and engineers work together from day one |
iPhone Duo: Apple’s First Foldable Is Finally Here
The star of the conversation is the iPhone Duo. According to interview coverage, it is about the size of a passport when closed, and it opens into a compact tablet. Apple reportedly used a durable custom polymer and a new display engine so the outer and inner screens feel connected. Ternus also said Apple had been working towards this device for more than 15 years, which explains why the company waited while others launched foldables first.
One feature shows Apple’s playful side. It is called Kids Queue, and it uses the two screens in a clever way. While you take a photo of a child, the outer screen shows interactive characters, such as Snoopy, to grab their attention so they look at the camera. It is a small idea, but it shows what Ternus meant when he described Apple’s design approach as a mix of real usefulness and moments of fun.
If you want one, here is the practical part. Pre orders are shipping from October 23, but demand has reportedly been extraordinary. Reports say new orders will not ship until the end of January 2027, and you should not expect easy availability at Apple Stores on launch day. So if you are planning to buy, ordering early or being patient is the realistic path.
Apple’s AI Plan Under John Ternus: Useful Over Flashy
While several companies chase the most powerful AI models possible, Apple is taking a quieter route. Ternus said the goal is to blend AI into everyday tasks instead of pushing technology for its own sake. Apple executives have also said the company does not need to build everything itself, and that its Siri AI is meant for everyday people, not only for AI enthusiasts.
The new Siri is described as using personal context to help with creativity and productivity. On privacy, Ternus reassured users that Apple cannot see their personal data and does not want to. That message is central to Apple’s pitch, and it is one of the main reasons people trust the brand with their phones.
One thing to keep in mind: the coverage is not fully consistent about Google’s role. One summary says the new Siri integrates Google’s Gemini technology, while earlier AppleInsider reporting said Apple’s new foundation models do not contain Gemini. So the exact technical details are unclear, and it is best to wait for Apple’s own documentation before drawing conclusions.
Child Safety and Screen Time Tools
Another part of the conversation will matter to anyone raising kids. Apple has teamed up with the American Academy of Pediatrics to build fresh controls around screen time and online safety, with the aim of giving parents a simpler way to guide how their children use devices and what content reaches them. Apple has not shared the full list of features yet, so it makes sense to watch for announcements in future software updates before expecting specific tools.
Why Design Still Matters to the New CEO
Many people expected a CEO to step away from design work. Ternus did the opposite. He said design is at the center of Apple, and that its designers understand engineering while its engineers deeply respect design. Instead of one team sketching an idea and passing it to another, both groups work together from the very beginning.
Reports have also suggested he is spending more hands on time with Apple’s design teams since becoming CEO. He did not claim that directly in the interview, but he did say products and technologies will keep changing, while the way Apple works should not. In his words, respect for the user and building genuinely helpful products is “job one.” He also mentioned a personal love for fast cars, which fits his engineering background.
What This Means for You
For buyers, the message is simple. Apple is not trying to win the AI race by volume, and it is not trying to reinvent itself overnight. The company is betting on well designed products that feel useful, with privacy as a selling point. If that approach continues, expect fewer flashy announcements and more carefully built features. And if you are eyeing the iPhone Duo, plan for a wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is John Ternus? He is Apple’s new CEO, a mechanical engineer by background who has been at Apple for 25 years. He took over in September.
Q2. What is the iPhone Duo? It is Apple’s first foldable iPhone, roughly passport sized when closed and tablet like when opened.
Q3. When can I get the iPhone Duo? Pre orders began shipping on October 23, but reports say new orders may not arrive until the end of January 2027.
Q4. What is Kids Queue? It is a feature that shows interactive characters on the outer screen to help children look at the camera during photos.
Q5. How is Apple approaching AI? Apple says it wants AI to feel natural and helpful in everyday use, with a strong focus on privacy, rather than chasing the biggest model.
Disclaimer: The information in this article has been compiled by researching coverage of the TIME interview from multiple credible technology publications. Some details, including the role of Google’s Gemini technology and delivery timelines, differ between reports and may change. Please check Apple’s official announcements for confirmed information. All content is written in our own words for informational purposes.
Written by M Akshay for Bestructure.
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