The Apple designer who brought the iPhone Air to life is leaving the company

Abidur Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi-British who gained global prominence for his creativity in Apple’s new iPhone Air, has reportedly departed from Apple. He is set to join an undisclosed artificial intelligence startup, according to sources familiar with the situation. 

Chowdhury, a designer based in San Francisco, gained significant attention earlier in 2025 when he introduced the iPhone Air during Apple’s “Awe Dropping” launch event. At the time, he described the device as “a paradox you have to hold to believe.” His decision to leave the tech giant has heightened the challenges facing its design team.

These sources, which wished to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the situation, acknowledge that Chowdhury’s departure was significant for the tech firm as he had earned respect in the design team. 

Apple loses an important member of its operations 

During its operation, Apple chose Chowdhury to unveil the new iPhone Air in an event held in September this year. While launching the new iPhone Air, the Apple designer participated in a 2-minute video that showcased the device’s design and features. 

Analysts noted that being featured in the tech giant’s videos is a significant achievement. Therefore, Chowdhury’s participation illustrated that Apple held him in high regard. Meanwhile, Molly Anderson, who is now leading Apple’s design team, narrated another September video for the iPhone 17 Pro.

Notably, Chowdhury worked at the tech company for more than six years. This was after joining the team in 2019, about the same time when a famous design chief, Jony Ive, departed the firm, marking the end of a period that began during Steve Jobs’ era. 

As sources attempt to determine the reason behind his sudden departure, they have discovered that Chowdhury’s exit is not linked to the launch of the iPhone Air, which received positive feedback for its design but has not sold as well as expected. They also brought to attention that the Bangladeshi innovator played a significant role in the marketing campaign and the development of this phone.

According to reports, Chowdhury’s departure has caused internal ripples at Apple due to his growing prominence within the design team. His new role remains under wraps.

Apple’s design team undergoes several changes

A reliable source has indicated that the launch of a second-generation iPhone Air is expected in 2027. It is worth noting that since Ive decided to leave Apple a few years ago, the tech giant’s design team has undergone significant changes. 

Following this change, reports suggest that most of the former team members have either retired or departed to other companies,  including LoveFrom. LoveFrom is a creative collective founded in 2019 by former Apple design director Ive and industrial designer Marc Newson. 

Now, most of the team members comprise new hires from various design fields and younger workers at the tech firm. This group, which is central to Apple’s product development alongside engineering and manufacturing, has also encountered other changes this year. 

According to sources, Jeff Williams, who had served as the chief operating officer for many years and had recently managed the design team, exited the company last week. Moreover, the user interface team, headed by Alan Dye, also faced changes and several people leaving.

The iPhone maker announced in July of this year that the design teams, following Williams’ departure, would now report directly to Tim Cook, the company’s chief executive.

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