Apple breaking its own rules by offering Apple Pencil support in its foldable phone iPhone Duo, here's what CEO John Ternus says

​Apple appears to be breaking one of its own long-standing rules. With the launch of its first foldable iPhone, the Cupertino-based tech giant has confirmed that the newly launched iPhone Duo will support Apple Pencil. In 2007, Steve Jobs famously said that if a smartphone came with a stylus, “they blew it”. However, Apple’s current CEO, John Ternus, claims the company never treated that as a permanent rule.​The iPhone Duo, which starts at Rs 3 lakh, is being positioned as a combination of an iPhone and iPad, with a 7.6-inch main display, redesigned iOS 27 and Pencil support. Ternus says the larger screen creates opportunities for a stylus that did not exist on earlier iPhones.​Why Apple is adding Pencil support to iPhone Duo​Ternus said Apple sees the Pencil as an optional tool rather than something users need to operate the phone.​“I’ve never really thought of it as a rule,” Ternus told Tom’s Guide. “We started with iPad. There was no Apple Pencil, right? But then there's things you can do with a pencil on that larger screen that are really powerful and capable. And I think we saw that opportunity here. You don't need a pencil, but I think some people are going to like it, and it's going to be fun.”​The Duo has a passport-style foldable form and IP68 durability. Apple also redesigned iOS 27 with the device's form in mind by moving essential controls to the right side.​“It turns out to be an incredibly intuitive control system, because it's there under your right thumb when it's closed,” said Ternus. “You open it up, it's there under your right thumb again. So I think that's one of the biggest things with iOS is you're going to have two screens. How do you make sure that it feels continuous?” he added.​Apple wants to fix the foldable app problem​Apple has been working with developers to optimise apps for the Duo's cover and main displays before its October 23 release. Netflix, Slack and Zoom are among the apps being prepared for the larger screen.​Greg ‘Joz’ Joswiak, who was also present during the interview with Tom’s Guide, said Apple did not want the Duo to repeat the experience of simply stretching smartphone software across a larger display.​“What we saw others doing wasn't particularly inspiring,” said Joswiak. “Our history has never been to rush into something with something half-baked.”​The 3 lakh price of iPhone Duo reflects the device's complexity: Apple CEO John Ternus​The Duo will start at around Rs 3 lakh in India, making it Apple's most expensive iPhone. Ternus said the price reflects the device's complexity.​“We're always focused on building cool things that people love, but also are a really good value,” he said. “And (the iPhone Duo) is an incredibly complex and well-engineered device. Yes, it's more expensive than the other phones, but we think it's a great value.”​Apple is also emphasising the combination of hardware, software and services as the reason for the Duo's design.​“The beauty of Apple is its hardware, software, and services,” Ternus noted. “What I love is when all of these things come together and interact and create an experience that is just bigger than the sum of its parts.”​You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.