Key iPhone Air Designer Exits Apple for AI Startup While Air 2 Development Stalls
A prominent industrial designer behind the ultra-thin iPhone Air, who presented the device at Apple's September 2025 keynote, has departed Apple to join an AI-focused startup. This significant personnel change, reported by Bloomberg on November 17, 2025, occurs as the highly anticipated iPhone Air 2 faces an indefinite delay. The delay is largely due to the underwhelming commercial performance of its predecessor, reflecting broader challenges for Apple in the ultra-thin smartphone segment and the competitive generative AI landscape.
Key Designer Departs Amid Broader AI Talent Shift
The departing designer, recognized as a "rising star" in Apple's design team, was instrumental in shaping the iPhone Air's distinctive, slim form factor. Their move to an AI startup highlights a growing talent migration towards the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence sector, a trend impacting established tech giants. Community discussions link this departure to potential internal pressures at Apple concerning AI integration and innovation, underscoring intense competition for top design and engineering talent in the current market.
iPhone Air 2 Indefinitely Delayed Following Weak Sales Performance
Development of the iPhone Air 2, initially slated for a September 2026 launch, has been indefinitely postponed. Reports from The Information (November 10, 2025) and corroborated posts on X attribute this delay to the muted market reception of the first iPhone Air, which secured only 6-8% of Apple's overall iPhone sales. This weak demand has led to significant adjustments across Apple's supply chain, with suppliers like Foxconn reportedly dismantling production lines and reducing capacity by over 80% by early 2026. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's October 22, 2025 analysis confirms these substantial production scale-backs.
While the Air 2's future remains uncertain, inconclusive leaks suggest internal testing continues, with a speculative spring 2027 release. This could reposition the Air 2 as a "tech prototype" for future innovations, such as a foldable iPhone. The original iPhone Air's design prioritized extreme slimness, often at the expense of battery life and advanced camera features, an approach that appears to have limited its market appeal compared to the more popular Pro models.
Mixed Community Reactions and Unconfirmed Air 2 Features
The tech community has responded with mixed sentiment to these developments. On X, users frequently criticize the original iPhone Air's compromises in battery performance and camera quality, leading to expressions of disappointment. The delays fuel frustration and prompt questions about Apple's design priorities and talent retention.
Conversely, some enthusiasts view the designer's departure as a "brain gain" for the AI startup ecosystem, signaling dynamic shifts in tech innovation. Speculation also persists regarding the iPhone Air 2's potential features, despite its delayed status. Inconclusive leaks mention a 6.5-inch 120Hz ProMotion display, dual 48MP rear cameras, an advanced A20 Pro chip, and vapor chamber cooling—all while aiming to maintain an ultra-thin design under 6mm. These discussions underscore ongoing interest in Apple's design ambitions.
Apple Maintains Silence on Personnel and Product Status
As of November 18, 2025, Apple has not issued any official comments concerning the departure of its key industrial designer or the reported delays of the iPhone Air 2. In line with its long-standing policy, the company typically refrains from publicly addressing personnel changes or unannounced product developments. The AI startup involved has also remained silent, and no direct statements have come from manufacturing partners.