Apple designer behind iconic iPhone Air departs company
What's the story
Abidur Chowdhury, the industrial designer who contributed to the development of iPhone Air and even appeared in its launch video, has left Apple. He is said to have joined an artificial intelligence start-up. His departure has made headlines within the company due to his growing prominence in Apple's design team. Chowdhury appeared in a video as part of Apple's marketing effort for iPhone Air, showcasing the phone's design and features. This was considered a high-profile assignment.
Career journey
Chowdhury's tenure at Apple and future plans
Chowdhury joined Apple in 2019, around the same time as renowned design chief Jony Ive left the company. He has spent approximately four years at Apple, contributing to its design team. His departure isn't linked to the launch of iPhone Air, which has been praised for its design but hasn't performed well in sales. A second-generation model is expected by 2027.
Team transformation
Changes in Apple's design team
Since Ive's departure, the Apple design group has been completely revamped. Most of its former members have either retired or moved to other companies, including Ive's own firm, LoveFrom. The current team mainly consists of industry hires and junior members from within the company. This year alone, Jeff Williams, Apple's longtime COO who oversaw the design team for years, left the company.
Organizational shift
Design teams now report directly to Tim Cook
Following Williams's exit, Apple announced that its design teams now report directly to CEO Tim Cook. This is a major change in the company's structure. The decision comes amid other changes in the organization, including on the user interface side led by Alan Dye, which has also witnessed a series of departures.