Apple just did something it swore it would never do. When Steve Jobs launched the first iPhone back in 2007, he famously said that if a smartphone needed a stylus, 'they blew it.' It became one of Apple's most iconic declarations. But with the new foldable iPhone Duo, Apple's breaking its own rule and adding full Apple Pencil support. The company's CEO John Ternus insists this isn't really a rule flip at all, just a practical evolution.
The iPhone Duo is basically Apple's take on a hybrid device, blending the capabilities of an iPhone with an iPad. Starting at Rs 3 lakh in India, it features a massive 7.6-inch main display when unfolded, along with a cover screen. This bigger real estate changes the game, Ternus explained. A stylus didn't make sense on a compact smartphone, but on a foldable with that much screen space, it opens up creative possibilities. The Pencil is optional, not required, which he says was always the distinction Apple missed in Jobs' original comment.
What's interesting is how Apple's approach differs from what other manufacturers have tried with foldables. The company's been working directly with app developers like Netflix, Slack, and Zoom to optimize experiences for both the cover and main displays before the October 23 launch. Greg Joswiak, another Apple exec, made it clear they weren't interested in just stretching phone software across a bigger screen. 'Our history has never been to rush into something with something half-baked,' he said. That's a pretty pointed jab at competitors.
The redesigned iOS 27 shows this thoughtfulness too. Apple repositioned essential controls to the right side, so they're accessible whether the Duo is folded or open. It's the kind of detail that usually goes unnoticed but makes everything feel smoother. The device also ships with IP68 durability and that distinctive passport-style fold.
So why does the Duo cost so much? Ternus argued the Rs 3 lakh price reflects the device's complexity and engineering. Apple's betting that people will see value in the integration of hardware, software, and services working together seamlessly. Whether that gamble pays off in India's market will be telling. For now, Apple's officially killed one of its oldest commandments, and it's doing it with style.
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