Apple Loses Key iPhone Air Designer Amid Design Team Shake-Up
Apple's design team faces another significant departure as Abidur Chowdhury, a key figure behind the iPhone Air, exits for an undisclosed AI startup. Chowdhury's role in the device's launch video underscored his prominence—a spotlight typically reserved for senior Apple veterans. The move follows slower-than-expected iPhone Air sales, though sources confirm the departure is unrelated.
The trend of high-profile exits continues: former COO Jeff Williams, who oversaw design since 2023, left recently, compounding the vacuum created by Jony Ive's 2019 exit. Ive's legacy as the visionary behind the iPhone and Apple Watch remains unmatched, raising questions about Apple's ability to retain top creative talent during this transitional phase.