Abidur Chowdhury, a rising talent in Apple’s industrial design team, has left the tech giant to join an emerging artificial intelligence startup, a move first reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Chowdhury gained recognition for his role in the development of the iPhone Air, even presenting its design and features during Apple’s September launch event, a rare public-facing responsibility for an industrial designer. His departure marks a significant loss for Apple’s design division, which has been undergoing transitions following the exit of several senior designers and organisational changes under CEO Tim Cook. The move also underscores the growing intersection between hardware design and AI, reflecting the increasing demand for design expertise in shaping user-friendly and innovative technology solutions as the industry rapidly evolves and companies intensify their focus on next-generation intelligent products.
Abidur Chowdhury takes centre stage in iPhone Air launch and design
Reports indicate that a next-generation version of the iPhone Air is already in development for 2027, making Chowdhury’s departure a significant shift for Apple’s design continuity. Chowdhury’s role became particularly visible during the launch of the iPhone Air in September. Apple selected him to present the design features and the philosophy behind the device in an official video. This public-facing role is rare for industrial designers at Apple, who typically operate behind the scenes. Being the face of a product launch highlights Chowdhury’s influence and the company’s confidence in his design vision. The iPhone Air, although facing slower-than-expected sales, has been widely praised for its elegance, lightweight form, and intuitive interface, showcasing Chowdhury’s design philosophy. As a core contributor to the iPhone Air, Chowdhury helped shape a device that balances aesthetics with practical functionality. The iPhone Air’s slim design, attention to detail, and material innovation are a testament to the industrial design team’s effort, and Chowdhury’s fingerprints are evident in many of these decisions.
Chowdhury joined Apple in 2019, a pivotal moment that coincided with the departure of Jony Ive, Apple’s legendary design chief. It highlights the importance of industrial design not only in shaping consumer electronics but also in influencing emerging technologies. As Chowdhury embarks on this next chapter, both Apple and the wider tech community will be watching closely, recognising the potential impact of a designer who has already left a lasting mark on one of the world’s most iconic products. Chowdhury’s exit is part of a wider transformation within Apple’s design division. Several long-standing designers have either retired or moved to other companies, including Jony Ive, who founded LoveFrom after leaving Apple. This restructuring reflects Apple’s ongoing commitment to design excellence, ensuring that product innovation remains central to the company’s strategic vision despite internal transitions. Chowdhury quickly distinguished himself through his technical expertise, creativity, and ability to blend aesthetics with functionality While many designers have left Apple over the years. He became known for his contributions to Apple’s product line, particularly in refining the design language of the company’s devices to balance sleek minimalism with intuitive usability. His rise within the company was swift. Chowdhury’s talent for translating complex technological innovation into designs that are both visually appealing and user-friendly made him a key member of Apple’s industrial design team. This recognition was reflected in his selection to represent Apple publicly during major product launches, a responsibility reserved for designers who have earned the company’s trust and respect.
Recently, the design teams were reorganised to report directly to CEO Tim Cook, following the departure of Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, who previously managed the division.