Apple Designer Abidur Chowdhury Quits for AI Startup Role

San Francisco – Abidur Chowdhury, a rising star in Apple’s design team and the face behind the iPhone Air launch video, has left the tech giant to join an artificial intelligence startup, according to sources familiar with the matter. His departure has reportedly caught colleagues by surprise, reflecting his growing influence within Apple’s design division.

Chowdhury, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Product Design and Technology from Loughborough University, began his career in industrial design in 2015. After internships at Cambridge Consultants and Curventa, he joined Layer Design in 2017. Following a year-long freelance stint, he joined Apple in January 2019 as an Industrial Designer.

During his tenure at Apple, Chowdhury played a central role in the development of the iPhone Air, including its design and marketing efforts. He was also featured in the company’s official launch video in September 2025, a distinction reserved for key personnel in Apple’s hierarchy.

Sources indicate that his exit is not linked to the iPhone Air launch itself, as Apple continues to plan a second-generation release slated for 2027. While his LinkedIn profile has not yet reflected this change, insiders suggest that the move to the AI sector aligns with Chowdhury’s interest in emerging technologies.

Industry observers note that talent shifts like Chowdhury’s could signal a growing trend of tech designers moving toward AI startups, blending creativity with next-generation technology development.