iPhone Air Designer Abidur Chowdhury Exits Apple for AI Startup

Industrial designer Abidur Chowdhury has left Apple after six years. He was a key creator of the recently launched iPhone Air. His departure was reported by Bloomberg and other major news outlets this week.Chowdhury also voiced the product’s launch video in September. According to reports, his exit is not linked to the iPhone Air’s market performance. He has reportedly joined an artificial intelligence startup.

Internal Impact and Future of the iPhone Air

The designer’s departure created significant waves within Apple. His work on the iPhone Air was highly praised internally. This is despite the device’s underwhelming sales figures.Bloomberg confirms a sequel to the iPhone Air is still in development. The iPhone Air 2 is currently planned for a 2027 release. It remains unclear who will lead its design following Chowdhury’s exit.

Broader Implications for the Smartphone Market

The move raises questions about the ultra-thin phone category. Samsung’s own Galaxy S25 Edge series faces a similarly uncertain future. The market response to these slim devices has been muted.Samsung is expected to announce its Galaxy S26 lineup early next year. The inclusion of an S26 Edge model is now questionable. Neither company has successfully reignited consumer passion for ultra-thin designs.Advancements in battery technology could make the form factor more viable later. Apple is also reportedly planning its first foldable iPhone for 2027. This would come nearly a decade after Samsung’s original Galaxy Fold.

Dawn Little Sky, Pioneering Native American Actress and Disney Artist, Dies at 95

The exit of a key designer marks a pivotal moment for Apple’s design future. The upcoming iPhone Air 2 project now faces new challenges without its original visionary. The industry will watch closely to see how Apple navigates this transition.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Abidur Chowdhury?

Abidur Chowdhury was an industrial designer at Apple for over six years. He is best known for his lead role in designing the iPhone Air. He also provided the voice for the product’s launch video.

Why did the iPhone Air designer leave Apple?

Reports indicate his departure was for a new opportunity at an AI startup. Sources say the move was not related to the iPhone Air’s sales performance. The decision was described as a personal career choice.

Is Apple still making an iPhone Air 2?

Yes, according to Bloomberg, a sequel is still in development. The iPhone Air 2 is currently scheduled for a 2027 release. Apple has not publicly commented on the project’s status.

How will this affect future Apple products?

The immediate impact is the loss of a key designer on the iPhone Air team. It remains unclear who will lead the design for the next model. The long-term effect on Apple’s design language is yet to be seen.

What is the future of ultra-thin phones?

The market response to recent ultra-thin models has been lukewarm. Both Apple and Samsung are evaluating their future in this category. Future battery technology improvements could make slim designs more practical.