Apple (AAPL) is dealing with another major change in its design team. Just two months after disclosing the sleek new iPhone Air at its September “Awe Dropping” event, Abidur Chowdhury, one of the key designers behind the device, has left the company. According to Bloomberg, Chowdhury has joined an unnamed artificial intelligence (AI) startup.
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His departure is notable as he was also featured in the iPhone Air’s launch video, a spotlight that is typically reserved for senior executives or longtime Apple designers. The move is reportedly not related to the iPhone Air’s slower-than-expected sales.
Chowdhury’s exit is being viewed as a major loss for Apple’s design division, pointing to the ongoing reshuffling of AAPL’s design team.
A Pattern of High-Profile Exits
Chowdhury’s departure comes shortly after the exit of Apple’s former Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams, who had been overseeing product design since 2023. These exits add to a string of high-profile departures that began with Jony Ive’s exit in 2019.
Ive, Apple’s longtime design chief, was the creative force behind iconic products such as the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
The steady turnover has raised concerns about Apple’s ability to maintain its design edge, especially as the company faces growing competition from hardware rivals and pressure to innovate in AI and mixed reality.
Looking Ahead
Apple is working on a follow-up version of the iPhone Air for release in 2027, focusing on battery improvements rather than significant design changes. It is unknown who will be tasked with designing the sequel.
With Chowdhury no longer on the team, the company might struggle to keep the original creative vision and design style.
Chowdhury’s exit comes at a time when Apple doubles down on AI integration across its product lines. To maintain its design edge, the company will need to attract top talent and keep up with changing customer expectations.
Is AAPL Stock a Buy?
Turning to Wall Street, Apple stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 21 Buy, 12 Hold, and two Sell recommendations assigned in the last three months. The average AAPL price target of $289.17 implies 7.96% upside potential from current levels.
