Abidur Chowdhury, an industrial designer credited as a key figure in the development of the iPhone Air, has left Apple Inc. to join an artificial intelligence startup. Chowdhury had gained prominence within the company, notably being featured in the iPhone Air's launch video to discuss its design process, a role that signifies significant influence within Apple's famed design group. His exit is reported to have made waves internally and marks the latest setback for Apple's design team, which has undergone significant changes and a number of high-profile departures since iconic designer Jony Ive left in 2019. This move underscores the intense competition for top talent between established tech giants and the burgeoning AI industry.