Apple’s entry into the foldable market, the iPhone Duo, is already drawing comparisons — and criticism for its Android-based competition. In a recent interview, CEO John Ternus and SVP of Marketing Greg Joswiak addressed key issues surrounding wide foldable devices from rivals like Samsung and Google, focusing especially on aspect ratios, materials, and software readiness.
Aspect Ratio & Build: Where Apple Sees a Gap
Ternus didn’t hold back when comparing Android foldables’ display designs to the Duo’s. He criticized the “wide” aspect ratios on devices such as the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 8, suggesting that the proportions aren’t optimal for use. Apple claims its Duo has a better balance, although Samsung and others reportedly leaked the Duo’s aspect ratio ahead of Apple’s public reveal. Also highlighted was the surface material: Apple says its new nanotexture finish improves on the “cheap-feeling plastic” seen in many polymer-display foldables by making them feel more refined.
Software: Optimized from Day One
Software seems central to Apple’s strategy. Ternus and Joswiak say major apps like Slack, Netflix, and Zoom will launch with foldable-optimized interfaces right out of the gate — though users might still see black borders due to early UI limitations. Apple is giving developers more time to prepare: much like it did with the original iPad launch in 2010, it’s spacing the announcement and release of the Duo to provide a window for app redesigns.
Apple also touts a redesigned iOS experience on the Duo that rethinks core UX elements like the dock’s placement, fold-to-open animations, and continuity between folded and unfolded states. The goal is to deliver what the company calls an “incredibly intuitive” and “continuous” experience, hoping those refinements set it apart from Android alternatives.
Other Points: Stylus, Value, Timing
When asked about accessories, Apple pushed back against the notion that a stylus is necessary for a smartphone form factor. They didn’t rule out accessories entirely, but said the Duo is designed to deliver value without leaning on pen input. On cost, Apple insists the foldable iPhone offers strong value relative to competition, claiming that the design, materials, and software polish will justify the price.
About timing: the gap between announcement and launch — roughly a month and a half — is meant to mirror early Apple device launches, giving third-party developers time to adapt. With the Duo expected to ship next month, Apple believes it’s setting a foundation for consumers to enjoy a more refined experience from day one.
Apple’s claims aren’t just defensive — they represent its approach to how foldables should evolve. The Duo challenges Android’s emphasis on width over utility, argues for better materials in a market long criticized for cheap plastics, and insists software must lead hardware on these devices.
What this means: Apple’s positioning exposes clear gaps it sees in Android’s current foldable game. If its bets pay off — better aspect ratios, more polished build, apps ready at launch — the Duo could reset expectations for the category. Watch how Samsung and Google respond in 2027: updated foldables and software polish may become less of a luxury and more of the baseline.
