In fact, based on Apple's stance that there is no antenna issue, Papermaster's abrupt departure actually makes it look bad--like there is more turmoil going on inside Apple than it is willing to admit. Perhaps, if Papermaster is falling on the proverbial sword and taking one for the team, it's related to some other issue.

Apple's position on "antennagate" is too entrenched for it to backpedal and take responsibility now. However, many cite the proximity sensor issue as a much bigger deal impacting the usability of the iPhone 4 as a--well, as a phone.

If there is some sort of impending announcement from Apple about the proximity sensor, or some other hardware design aspect of the iPhone 4, then it makes sense for Papermaster to be the fall guy. Absent such a mea culpa, though, it's more likely that Papermaster simply chose to move on for his own reasons.