Abidur Chowdhury, the industrial designer who unveiled Apple’s iPhone Air globally only two months prior, when the firm selected him to discuss the phone in its introductory video, has departed the company for an undisclosed artificial intelligence venture, Bloomberg reports. This exit exacerbates the growing difficulties for the ultra-slim gadget, which has faced underwhelming sales since its September introduction. It represents another considerable departure from Apple's design department, which has seen almost total staff changes since the renowned design leader Jony Ive left in 2019.
Chowdhury worked at Apple for over six years, taking on a notable role narrating the iPhone Air's two-minute design video at the company's September event. His departure apparently caused internal stirrings due to his growing influence on the design team. Nevertheless, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman stated his leaving had no connection to the iPhone Air's disappointing sales results.
This timing highlights the intricate path of the iPhone Air. Apple placed it between the standard iPhone 17 and the higher-end iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max regarding cost, despite its camera and battery not matching those models, or even the less expensive iPhone 17. The iPhone Air is priced from $999, while the comparable iPhone 17 begins at $899. Alternatively, for an additional $100, you can acquire the complete features of the iPhone 17 Pro for $1,099.
Despite earning design accolades—the iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever at 5.6 millimeters thick—the device has faced what industry analysts describe as “virtually no demand.” Apple had anticipated the device would account for 6% to 8% of new iPhone sales, roughly matching the iPhone 16 Plus it replaced, according to Bloomberg. Instead, production has been slashed dramatically, with reports from Apple’s supply chain suggesting the phone’s production has been cut by over 80% heading into the new year. One supply chain manager told Nikkei Asia that production orders had been reduced to nearly “end of production” levels.
A second-generation iPhone Air is still slated for a 2027 release, despite lackluster sales, according to Bloomberg. This iteration will prioritize enhanced battery life and may include an additional camera lens, aiming to assure consumers that purchasing an Air won't compromise their smartphone photography experience.
Apple’s design team exodus
Chowdhury came to Apple in 2019, coinciding with Ive's exit from the company, marking the end of a period that began during Steve Jobs' time there. Prior to Apple, Chowdhury was employed by UK companies such as Layer, Cambridge Consultants, and Curventa, according to his LinkedIn profile, and ran his own firm, Abidur Chowdhury Design, from 2018 to 2019. He holds a bachelor's degree in Product Design and Technology from Loughborough University in the UK.
This exit mirrors wider instability in Apple's design department during 2025. Jeff Williams, who served as chief operating officer and led the design group since 2023, left the company last week following many years at Apple. In a notable structural change, design units now answer directly to CEO Tim Cook, circumventing standard management lines.
Following Jony Ive's departure in 2019, Apple's design department has undergone a substantial overhaul, as indicated by numerous accounts. A significant number of the initial team members have either retired or pursued new opportunities, such as Ive's own company, LoveFrom. Among the prominent exits are Evans Hankey, who took over as head of industrial design after Ive and departed in 2023, and Tang Tan, who dedicated over 25 years to design at Apple, alongside other senior designers.
Williams stated in July upon announcing his retirement his intentions: “I have a deep love for Apple. Working with all of the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime, and I can’t thank Tim enough for the opportunity, his inspirational leadership, and our friendship over the years.” He further mentioned his intention to “spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting.”
Ive's LoveFrom studio, which OpenAI acquired in May 2025 for nearly $6.5 billion in an all-stock deal, has attracted numerous ex-Apple designers, marking the largest acquisition in OpenAI's history. This collaboration highlights OpenAI's strategy to compete with major tech firms like Google, Apple, and Meta in creating AI-driven devices that will define the future of computing.
Apple has struggled with its fourth iPhone slot in the lineup, experimenting with smaller 5.4-inch iPhone mini models that sold poorly, then moving to larger iPhone Plus models that also failed, leading to the iPhone Air. The company could introduce yet another form factor as soon as 2026, with rumors suggesting Apple will debut a foldable iPhone as part of the iPhone 18 lineup.
For this story, Coins2Day generative AI assisted in creating the first version. An editor confirmed the data's correctness prior to publication.