Apple Executive in Charge of iPhone Hardware Leaves Company
The New York Times is reporting that Mark Papermaster, the Apple executive in charge of iPhone hardware, is leaving the company. His departure comes as Apple is dealing with the iPhone 4 antennagate issue.
In a statement, an Apple spokesman, Steve Dowling, confirmed Mr. Papermaster's departure. Mr. Dowling said Mr. Papermaster "is leaving the company and Bob Mansfield, senior vice president of Macintosh hardware engineering, is assuming his responsibilities."
The Times says it is unclear whether Papermaster was fired or he left on his accord. Daring Fireball blogger John Gruber thinks Papermaster was probably fired. He says Papermaster is responsible for the iPhone 4's antenna. Gruber notes that Papermaster was absent from Apple's antennagate iPhone 4 conference in July. Steve Jobs said during the July press conference that all smartphones suffer from the grip death problem. It doesn't make sense why Apple would fire someone if it truly believes nothing is wrong with the antenna on the iPhone 4.
The New York Times is 
