Apple CEO John Ternus says the best AI device is still the iPhone

Live updates

1. 58m ago

   Apple CEO John Ternus Debuts Foldable iPhone Duo

   Apple CEO John Ternus introduced the iPhone Duo, a foldable device priced at US$2,000, during the Surprise and Shine event. Ternus positions the foldable as an intelligent personal hub for artificial intelligence, asserting the iPhone remains the premier AI device. The launch occurred alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods. This hardware push follows a leadership change where Tim Cook stepped down as CEO on September 1 to become executive chairman, appointing Ternus to lead the company.

   Why it matters

   The transition from Tim Cook to John Ternus marks a shift in leadership after Cook grew Apple's valuation from $350 billion to over $4.5 trillion. Ternus now faces pressure to prove Apple's competitiveness in AI. The high price point of the iPhone Duo raises questions about market necessity for foldable hardware.

   What is confirmed

   • John Ternus is the CEO of Apple.
   • Tim Cook stepped down as CEO on September 1 to become executive chairman.
   • Apple introduced the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods.
   • The iPhone Duo is a foldable device priced at US$2,000.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The iPhone Duo is intended to serve as an intelligent personal hub for artificial intelligence.
   • Ternus executed strategic product cuts to signal a shift in corporate direction.

   What to watch next

   • Consumer adoption rates for the US$2,000 iPhone Duo
   • Further AI software integrations specifically for the foldable form factor
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. appleinsider.com — iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Duo, more: What AppleInsider thinks about 'Surprise and Shine'
   2. 9to5mac.com — John Ternus and Greg Joswiak reveal why now is the time for iPhone Duo
   3. finance.yahoo.com — Cook Hands Ternus Apple (AAPL) that Still has to Prove itself on AI
   4. www.cultofmac.com — iPhone Duo
   confidence 90%
2. 1d ago

   Apple CEO John Ternus Reveals Foldable iPhone at Annual Showcase

   Apple CEO John Ternus used his first company keynote to introduce a foldable iPhone priced at US$2,000, framing the device as an intelligent personal hub for artificial intelligence. Bloomberg Opinion analyst Dave Lee noted that Apple must expend significant effort to justify the necessity of a US$2,000 foldable phone. Alongside the new hardware lineup featuring the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods, Ternus executed strategic product cuts that signal a shift in corporate direction. The hardware launch positions the iPhone as the primary vehicle for Apple artificial intelligence initiatives.

   Why it matters

   The transition to a new chief executive officer marks a structural shift for Apple as the company pivots toward hardware integration with artificial intelligence. Analysts are closely watching how investors receive the high-priced foldable model amid broader market questions regarding artificial intelligence valuations and tech sector spending.

   What is confirmed

   • John Ternus opened his first Apple keynote with a folding iPhone.
   • A foldable iPhone costs at least US$2,000.
   • Apple will need to spend a great deal of energy explaining the why of a foldable iPhone that costs at least US$2,000, according to Bloomberg Opinion's Dave Lee.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Apple made a quieter decision regarding product cuts that signals a fundamentally different company than investors have owned for the past decade.

   What to watch next

   • Consumer demand and sales figures for the US$2,000 foldable iPhone
   • Further details on the strategic product cuts implemented during the keynote
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. mashable.com — Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods
   2. www.channelnewsasia.com — Commentary: A US$2,000 iPhone gives Apple’s new CEO his Steve Jobs moment
   3. 247wallst.com — Apple’s New CEO Opened With a Foldable iPhone. The Real Story Is What He Cut
   4. www.bnnbloomberg.ca — AI bubble or not? Here are 6 stocks that work either way: Jon Erlichman
   confidence 100%
3. 2d ago

   Apple CEO John Ternus Positions iPhone as Premier AI Device

   Apple CEO John Ternus asserted that the iPhone remains the best AI device during the company's annual showcase. Ternus described the iPhone as Apple's "intelligent personal hub," signaling a strategic focus on integrating artificial intelligence into its primary handheld hardware. The event served as a formal introduction for Ternus as the new CEO, where he stated he continues to be inspired every single day. A new $2,000 iPhone model was featured as part of this product push.

   Why it matters

   This shift occurs as Apple attempts to maintain hardware dominance against emerging AI-first competitors. Ternus is reportedly employing a business strategy used by Steve Jobs 25 years ago to drive growth.

   What is confirmed

   • John Ternus is the new CEO of Apple.
   • Ternus stated the iPhone is the best AI device.
   • The iPhone is now positioned as Apple's "intelligent personal hub."
   • Ternus said at the annual showcase, "I continue to be inspired every single day."

   Still unconfirmed

   • A new iPhone model costs $2,000.
   • Ternus is reviving a Steve Jobs strategy from 25 years ago.

   What to watch next

   • Sales data for the $2,000 iPhone model
   • Further technical specifications of the intelligent personal hub features
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. Bloomberg — A $2,000 iPhone Gives Apple’s New CEO His Steve Jobs Moment
   2. The Guardian — Apple’s new CEO introduces himself at annual showcase: ‘I continue to be inspired every single day’
   3. TechCrunch — Apple CEO John Ternus says the best AI device is still the iPhone
   4. Computerworld — The iPhone is now Apple’s ‘intelligent personal hub’
   5. TechCrunch — Apple’s new CEO is reviving a Steve Jobs strategy from 25 years ago
   confidence 90%