When Apple unveiled its iPhone 17 series on September 9, 2025, the tech world’s attention, as always, was focused on CEO Tim Cook and the company’s top executives. However, amidst the familiar faces of Apple leadership, one figure stood out and captured global attention. Abidur Chowdhury, the Bangladeshi origin industrial designer who introduced the sleek new iPhone Air. Calm, confident, and insightful, Abidur demonstrated that behind Apple’s innovative devices are creative minds shaping the future of technology.

Early Life and Background

Abidur Chowdhury was born and raised in London, England, to Bangladeshi parents. From an early age, he exhibited a natural flair for creativity and problem-solving, gravitating toward design and innovation. His curiosity and passion for creating practical yet aesthetically pleasing products defined his formative years and set him on a path toward industrial design. Today, he resides in San Francisco and works at Apple, one of the world’s most influential technology companies, where his work has directly shaped one of the most talked-about launches in recent years.

Education and Early Achievements

Abidur’s academic journey played a pivotal role in shaping his career. He studied Product Design and Technology at Loughborough University in the UK, an institution renowned for its focus on practical, industry relevant design education. During his university years, Abidur’s talent and dedication were recognized through numerous awards. These include the James Dyson Foundation Bursary, the Red Dot Design Award for his “Plug and Play” project in 2016, and first place in the Seymour Powell Design Week competition. He also received the New Designers Kenwood Appliances Award and the 3D Hubs Student Grant for product design. These accolades not only highlighted his exceptional skill but also laid the groundwork for a career that would soon transcend borders and reach a global stage.

Professional Experience Before Apple

Before joining Apple, Abidur gathered valuable experience through internships and professional roles in the UK. He interned at Cambridge Consultants and Curventa, gaining insights into practical design challenges and working on real-world projects. Later, he joined Layer Design as an Industrial Designer, where he contributed to innovative product solutions across various sectors. From 2018 to 2019, he ran his own consultancy, Abidur Chowdhury Design, which allowed him to develop his unique design philosophy, blending creativity, functionality, and user experience. These experiences honed his ability to think critically, solve problems, and create products that are both beautiful and highly functional.

Joining Apple and Career Growth with iPhone Air

Abidur joined Apple in January 2019, stepping into the fast-paced, innovation driven environment of Cupertino, California. Apple, known for its meticulous attention to design and user experience, provided the perfect platform for Abidur to channel his skills. Over the years, he contributed to multiple high-profile projects, refining his expertise in creating devices that combine elegance, simplicity, and cutting-edge technology. However, it was his work on the iPhone Air that brought him into the global spotlight.

The Launch of iPhone Air

At the Apple event, Abidur introduced the iPhone Air, describing it as “a paradox you have to hold to believe.” This statement captured the essence of the device: extraordinarily thin, yet packed with advanced features and durability. The iPhone Air is just 5.6mm thick, making it Apple’s slimmest phone ever. Its titanium body ensures strength without adding weight, while the 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology offers an immersive viewing experience. The phone is powered by the A19 Pro chip with an AI enhanced GPU, providing seamless performance for both everyday use and intensive applications. The 48MP Fusion rear camera and 18MP Center Stage front camera allow users to capture high-quality photos and selfies effortlessly. To top it off, the iPhone Air features Ceramic Shield protection on both the front and back, ensuring resistance against scratches and cracks.

The Role of Design in iPhone Air

Abidur’s role was crucial in ensuring that the iPhone Air was not only visually striking but also functional and durable. His design balanced elegance with practicality, a hallmark of Apple products. The fact that Apple entrusted him to present the iPhone Air on stage, a rare honor usually reserved for executives, reflects the company’s acknowledgment of the value of its designers. This decision also highlighted the importance of the creative minds who bring Apple’s technological visions to life.

Global Recognition and Representation

The global discussion about Abidur Chowdhury is not just about a single product launch. It is about representation, creativity, and breaking boundaries. As a Bangladeshi origin professional making a mark on one of the largest tech stages in the world, Abidur embodies the potential of talent that transcends borders. His presence at the launch event sent a message to young designers, engineers, and innovators worldwide: dedication, skill, and passion can lead to extraordinary opportunities, regardless of where you come from.

Design Philosophy and Approach

Abidur’s design philosophy is centered around creating joyful and intuitive user experiences. He believes that good design should solve problems while delighting the user. His approach combines practicality with aesthetics, ensuring that every product is both functional and visually appealing. Sustainability and innovation are also integral to his work, guiding his choices in materials and design processes to create durable, long lasting products. This philosophy aligns perfectly with Apple’s emphasis on design and user experience, making him an ideal fit for the company.

Achievements and Career Highlights

His career achievements are impressive. From winning prestigious awards during his university years to leading the design of a global flagship device, Abidur’s journey is a testament to talent, hard work, and vision. By designing a product that stands out for both its form and function, he has contributed significantly to Apple’s reputation as a company where design is as important as technology.

Inspiring Bangladeshi Talent

For Bangladeshis, Abidur’s story is a source of immense pride. It shows that talent nurtured with dedication and education can achieve global recognition. Young professionals and students in Bangladesh now have a role model who exemplifies how creativity and persistence can lead to international success. Abidur’s achievements are a reminder that the Bangladeshi diaspora can make impactful contributions in any field, from technology to design, and inspire generations to come.

Lessons for Aspiring Designers

Beyond his professional achievements, Abidur’s journey offers lessons for aspiring designers and innovators everywhere. It highlights the importance of starting early, combining academic knowledge with practical experience, and continuously honing skills through real-world challenges. His story also emphasizes the value of thinking globally and remaining adaptable in a fast-changing world. These principles are applicable not only in industrial design but in any career that requires creativity, problem solving, and innovation.

Changing the Narrative at Apple with iPhone Air

Abidur Chowdhury’s rise at Apple also signals a cultural shift within the company. Traditionally, product launches were dominated by executives and top management, with little visibility for the designers themselves. By putting Abidur on stage, Apple recognized the central role designers play in shaping the company’s identity and products. It also inspires a broader conversation about valuing creativity and giving credit to the people who make technological innovations possible.

The Future of Bangladeshi Talent

Looking ahead, the future for Bangladeshi talent in technology and design is promising. Abidur’s success highlights the global demand for creativity, innovation, and problem solving. Universities in Bangladesh are increasingly offering courses in design, product development, and entrepreneurship, preparing students to compete on a global scale. With role models like Abidur, students now have tangible proof that their aspirations are achievable, and that talent, coupled with perseverance, can lead to international recognition.

A Source of Pride and Inspiration

In conclusion, Abidur Chowdhury’s introduction of the iPhone Air was more than a product launch; it was a statement. It showcased the creativity, skill, and vision of a Bangladeshi origin designer on one of the world’s biggest stages. From London to Cupertino, his journey reflects how talent, dedication, and innovation can transcend borders. For Bangladeshis, it is a moment of pride and inspiration. For the global tech community, it serves as a reminder that behind every groundbreaking product are designers like Abidur who merge art, science, and practicality to create experiences that delight millions.

As the iPhone Air hits the market and captures attention worldwide, Abidur Chowdhury’s story will continue to inspire young designers and innovators, especially those from Bangladesh. His journey is proof that with vision, skill, and determination, the next generation of global tech leaders could very well emerge from Bangladesh, carrying forward a legacy of creativity and excellence.