Apple CEO John Ternus attended the 78th Emmy Awards on September 14, bringing iPhone Duo to one of television’s biggest nights. Footage from the event shows Ternus briefly taking out Apple’s new foldable phone while speaking with press on the arrivals line.
The appearance came five days after Apple introduced iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone. It also gave the device a very public showing before customers can order it on October 16.
A first Emmy appearance as Apple CEO
Ternus became Apple’s CEO on September 1, succeeding Tim Cook, who moved into the executive chairman role. Apple confirmed the leadership transition in April and said Ternus would also join its board of directors.
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The Emmy Awards were a natural place for Apple leadership to appear. Apple TV programs were among this year’s nominees, and the Television Academy’s awards recap lists Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay as the winner of Outstanding Comedy Series. Ternus attended alongside Apple executives including Eddy Cue and the leaders of Apple TV’s studio operation, according to event photography.
For Ternus, the moment also followed his first September hardware event as CEO. He introduced iPhone Duo after Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, new Apple Watch models, and AirPods 5.
iPhone Duo arrives next month
Apple describes iPhone Duo as a foldable iPhone with a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display. The company says it will be available in star white and night sky, with preorders opening Friday, October 16, and retail availability beginning Friday, October 23.
The phone’s Emmy appearance was a short product demonstration, not a new announcement. Apple did not share new pricing, availability details, or specifications at the awards. Buyers weighing the foldable can review the full iPhone Duo preorder and release calendar, as well as Apple’s still-unanswered hardware details before the first shipments arrive.
Apple has already confirmed that iPhone Duo ships with iOS 27.1, while Apple Pencil support arrives later in 2026. Our guide to iPhone Duo and iOS 27.1 explains what that point release means for launch-day buyers, and our look at the delayed Apple Pencil feature covers the remaining timing question.
For now, the Emmys clip is simply one of the first times the iPhone Duo has appeared outside Apple’s own launch presentation. The foldable will move from red-carpet curiosity to a product people can order next month.
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