Abidur Chowdhury: Meet the designer behind Apple’s ultra-slim iPhone Air and its futuristic technology |

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Apple has once again set a new benchmark in smartphone design with the launch of the iPhone Air, the company’s slimmest model to date. Featuring a premium titanium body, all-day battery life, and AI-enhanced photography capabilities, the iPhone Air showcases the innovative vision of Abidur Chowdhury, the industrial designer responsible for its futuristic look and feel. Designed to balance elegance with performance, this device integrates advanced technology without compromising on portability or style. Priced at Rs 1,19,900 for the 256GB variant in India, the iPhone Air promises users a seamless combination of cutting-edge design, high functionality, and sleek usability, positioning it as a flagship device that reflects Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation.

Abidur Chowdhury’s early life and education

Abidur Chowdhury was born and raised in England, where he developed an early fascination with design and technology. He pursued a degree in Product Design and Technology from Loughborough University, a program renowned for producing designers who blend creativity with practical innovation.During his academic years, Chowdhury’s designs earned international recognition, including the James Dyson Foundation Bursary, the New Designers Kenwood Appliances Award, and the Red Dot Design Award in 2016 for his “Plug and Play” concept. These accolades highlight his early commitment to creating designs that are both innovative and functional.

Abidur Chowdhury’s professional journey: From UK design firms to Apple

Before joining Apple in 2019, Chowdhury gained extensive experience working with design firms across the UK, running his own consultancy, and collaborating with global agencies and start-ups. This diverse background helped him develop a unique design philosophy: creating products that users can’t live without.At Apple, Chowdhury’s work focuses on blending aesthetic elegance with technological sophistication. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping multiple Apple products, culminating in the design of the iPhone Air, a device that exemplifies his commitment to seamless, user-centered innovation.

Apple unveiled iPhone Air: The slimmest iPhone ever

Unveiled on 9 September 2025 in Cupertino, the iPhone Air stands out as Apple’s thinnest smartphone yet. Chowdhury describes it as “a paradox you have to hold to believe,” emphasising its futuristic design and tactile appeal.The device is crafted from titanium, which provides exceptional durability while keeping the phone lightweight. Despite its slim profile, the iPhone Air features all-day battery life enabled by new optimization software. Its camera system, while compact, includes a telephoto lens and AI-powered photography enhancements, offering a balance of style and performance.

iPhone Air: Design philosophy of Abidur Chowdhury

Chowdhury’s approach to design is rooted in emotional connectivity and practicality. Every aspect of the iPhone Air—from its curves to material choice and internal configuration—has been carefully engineered to provide a satisfying user experience.By integrating cameras, chipsets, and other system modules efficiently, Chowdhury made space for a high-density battery, proving that slimness does not require sacrificing performance. His philosophy revolves around the idea that technology should feel indispensable, blending beauty and functionality seamlessly.Also Read | Nano Banana AI image creation: How to easily create your own 3D figurine; prompts to create free images via Google Gemini