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Tim Cook is responsible for Apple's folding iPhone Ultra
AppleInsider • • technology
Key Points:
- Tim Cook, known for not being deeply involved in product design, championed the development of the foldable iPhone, pushing the project for over a decade before stepping down as Apple CEO.
- The initiative began in 2020 after Cook observed the growing popularity of foldable phones in Asia from competitors like Samsung and Huawei, prompting Apple to enter the foldable market.
- Apple had been exploring foldable technology since at least 2011, with patents filed for foldable iPhones and concepts like a folding iPad mini and even a foldable MacBook, though the latter appears to be discontinued.
- Cook's strong support was pivotal in committing resources to the complex foldable iPhone project, with his successor John Ternus ultimately finalizing the product set to launch as the iPhone Ultra in September 2026.
- The foldable iPhone represents Cook's final major product influence at Apple, with his legacy expected to persist in future products for several years, similar to how Steve Jobs' impact lasted post-retirement.
