Apple exec in charge of iPhone engineering leaves the company

As much as Apple tries to position the antenna performance issues plaguing some iPhone 4 smartphones as a common problem among all cell phones, it was only going to be a matter of time before big were to happen from the fallout. Apple's executive in charge of iPhone engineering, Mark Papermaster, has left the company after over a year of service – possibly due to the “Antennagate” controversy. Apple declined to comment on the specifics regarding Papermaster's departure, but Bob Mansfield, who oversees Macintosh hardware engineering, will assume responsibilities in the mean time. Apple spokesman Steve Dowling said, “Mr. Mansfield already manages groups that create many of the key technologies for the iPhone and iPod touch, including the A4 chip, Retina display and touch screens.” At this point, there's no evidence if Papermaster was forced to leave after the events of Antennagate began to unfold. Considered by many as a blemish to Apple's pristine reputation for making quality device, the Antenna issue has no doubt caused a lot of internal strife within Apple – ultimately forcing them to hold a press event to address the problem.

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source: NY Times via Reuters & Engadget