iPhone Air designer will join AI startup

The Apple Inc. designer who helped develop the iPhone Air — and even starred in its introduction video—has left, marking the latest setback for the company’s design group.

- BY MARK GURMAN

Abidur Chowdhury, an industrial designer, recently departed the iPhone maker for an artificial intelligence startup, according to people familiar with the move. His exit made waves internally, given his rising profile within the design team, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private.