In his first in-depth interview since taking the helm, Apple’s new CEO John Ternus sat down with Clique TV host Mouloud Achour to discuss a range of topics, from the iconic “One More Thing” phrase to the future of AI and Apple’s approach to foldable devices. Ternus, who officially became CEO on September 1st, shared candid insights into Apple’s philosophy and upcoming innovations.
The “One More Thing” Moment
When asked about his first tweet as Apple CEO – a simple “Hello” – and the feeling of uttering the legendary “One More Thing” phrase, Ternus described the experience as “incredibly surreal.” He acknowledged the weight of the phrase, having been used by his predecessors, Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, highlighting the historical significance attached to it.
Vision Pro: A Glimpse into the Future
Addressing the much-discussed Apple Vision Pro, Achour posed the question of whether it was a “test, a failure, or the start of the next computing era.” Ternus offered a nuanced perspective, calling the Vision Pro an “amazing device” but framing it as an early-stage product in a long evolutionary journey for computers. This suggests Apple views Vision Pro not as a standalone product, but as a foundational step towards a new computing paradigm.
The iPhone Duo Strategy
The conversation also touched upon Apple’s rumored foldable device, the ‘iPhone Duo,’ and the company’s seemingly deliberate pace. Achour inquired why Apple waited until 2026 for a foldable. Ternus emphasized Apple’s commitment to avoiding trends and prioritizing user needs and experience. “We don’t want to simply staple two phones together,” he stated, explaining that the goal is to create a “big screen experience that feels right.”
Ternus elaborated on the core design challenge: the screen aspect ratio. He noted that the approximately 1.4:1 aspect ratio, close to the square root of two, is crucial. When unfolded, doubling the short edge of the external screen results in an internal screen with a nearly identical proportion. This consistent aspect ratio across both states allows for seamless content scaling and a continuous visual experience, differentiating it from other foldable designs.
AI and the Role of Siri
Discussing the potential societal impact of AI, particularly the risk of people forming extreme attachments to AI companions, Ternus reassured viewers that Siri is not designed to be a friend or romantic partner. “Siri AI is not designed to be your friend… It’s an assistant,” he clarified. Ternus stressed that Siri is programmed to “resist any attempts to build a relationship” and underlined the paramount importance of human connections. “Human relationships are very important… We don’t want to replace human relationships,” he asserted.
iPhone Longevity and Upgrades
On the topic of product lifecycles, Ternus addressed the question of whether users need to upgrade their iPhones annually. He expressed pride in Apple’s focus on building durable products, stating, “We pride ourselves on building durable products… If you want to use it for many years, that’s fine.” He also acknowledged the appeal of new models, noting that “new ones bring huge upgrades,” offering significant trade-in value and upgrade incentives for those who choose to stay current.
Ternus’s insights provide a clear view into Apple’s strategic thinking, emphasizing thoughtful innovation, user-centric design, and a cautious yet forward-looking approach to emerging technologies like AI and spatial computing.
