iPhone Air Designer Abidur Chowdhury Quits Apple To Join AI Startup: Report

Last Updated:November 18, 2025, 23:52 IST

Abidur Chowdhury was with Apple for more than six years and his exit comes amid a reorganisation of the design division

Abidur Chowdhury was the designer behind the ultra-thin iPhone Air; (right) a man holds up the new iPhone Air during Apple's 'Awe-Dropping' event at the Steve Jobs Theater on the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California, on September 9, 2025. (Image: Abidur Chowdhury/Nic Coury/AFP)

A key industrial designer for Apple, Abidur Chowdhury, who was behind the ultra-thin iPhone Air, has quit the company to join an undisclosed AI startup.

According to reports, Chowdhury was with Apple for more than six years and his exit comes amid a reorganisation of the design division and is reported to be one of a series of high-profile departures within this division.

Chowdhury gained significant prominence within the company after being selected to present the iPhone Air’s design in a video during Apple’s September launch event. Such a visible, public-facing role is typically reserved for key figures and rising talents within the company’s closely guarded design studio, and his exit has reportedly “made waves" internally.

The product he helped create, the iPhone Air, has earned the title of the slimmest iPhone ever released. It was designed with a focus on cutting-edge engineering and minimalism. The device boasts an ultra-thin profile yet incorporates powerful features, including an advanced camera system, enhanced battery life, and a high-performance chip. Although the iPhone Air’s sales performance has been below initial expectations, Chowdhury’s exit is reportedly unrelated to these figures. While the specific AI startup Chowdhury has joined has not been publicly disclosed, his LinkedIn profile still listed Apple as his employer at the time of the report.

Who Is Abidur Chowdhury?

Abidur Chowdhury was born and raised in London, England, and currently operates as a designer based in San Francisco. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Product Design and Technology from Loughborough University. While there, he received several prestigious accolades, including first place in the Seymour Powell Design Week competition, the New Designers Kenwood Appliances Award, the James Dyson Foundation Bursary, and the 3D Hubs Student Grant. Furthermore, in 2016, he received the Red Dot Design Award for his “Plug and Play" concept.

Chowdhury built early industry experience through UK-based internships at Curventa and Cambridge Consultants. Following this, he joined Layer design in London as an Industrial Designer. Before joining Apple, he operated his own consultancy between 2018 and 2019, where he collaborated with design agencies, start-ups, and various companies to create strategies, experiences, and products. He joined Apple in Cupertino as an Industrial Designer in January 2019. Since then, he has contributed to the development of some of Apple’s most innovative products, including the recently launched iPhone Air.

Follow News18 on Google. Join the fun, play QIK games on News18. Get latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements. Stay informed with breaking tech news, expert insights, and trends from India and around the world.  Also Download the News18 App to stay updated.

News tech iPhone Air Designer Abidur Chowdhury Quits Apple To Join AI Startup: Report

Read More