Apple is undertaking significant workforce reductions, impacting over 200 roles within its Siri and Vision Pro divisions. This move, the company's most substantial since early 2024, signals a strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence and the development of new smart glasses, while addressing slower-than-expected adoption of the Vision Pro. The restructuring aims to reallocate resources to AI-powered features and updated technical requirements for Siri, with Apple committed to supporting affected employees through transition.

Apple is undertaking significant workforce reductions, impacting over 200 roles within its Siri and Vision Pro divisions. This move, the company's most substantial since early 2024, signals a strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence and the development of new smart glasses, while addressing slower-than-expected adoption of the Vision Pro. The restructuring aims to reallocate resources to AI-powered features and updated technical requirements for Siri, with Apple committed to supporting affected employees through transition.

Apple is undertaking significant workforce reductions, impacting over 200 roles within its Siri and Vision Pro divisions. This move, the company's most substantial since early 2024, signals a strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence and the development of new smart glasses, while addressing slower-than-expected adoption of the Vision Pro. The restructuring aims to reallocate resources to AI-powered features and updated technical requirements for Siri, with Apple committed to supporting affected employees through transition.

Global tech giant Apple Inc is now looking to cut more than 200 jobs across multiple teams working on Siri and Vision Pro, according to Bloomberg. The recent step is the iPhone maker's first drastic move since its largest post-pandemic layoff wave in 2024.

Usually, Apple Inc has historically avoided mass, thousand-person layoffs, often synonymous with HR policies of other tech giants. Hence, analysts state that this move raises concerns about the company’s pivot to artificial intelligence. 

Out of the planned layoffs, at least 100 jobs are reportedly being eliminated from the Vision Pro division. Vision Pro, a product championed for its immersive video content at its early 2024 launch, is now facing slower mainstream adoption. Its high price and bulky design have kept its customer base limited. 

Users expressed disappointment in the device’s lack of productivity compared to its price tag. The production of the 3D videos also requires multiple teams across Apple and can cost several million dollars to make. Apple reportedly told employees that it aims to shift its resources to introduce new lightweight smart glasses that won’t support immersive videos or games. 

The job overhaul at Siri was linked to an update for Apple’s digital assistant. The new Siri is AI-infused and requires new technical backing. Employees with advanced technical skills will be required to assist in the making, which is why around 100 existing employees are being eliminated from the Siri team. 

The Intelligent Systems Experience team, which works within the company’s software engineering organisation, is also being reorganised to work on AI-powered capabilities. 

As AI functions are increasingly adopted into apps and services, Apple’s reshuffling is focused on assigning the right people to the right task and staying ahead of new developments in the tech industry.

Apple addressed the changes taking place at the company, mentioning plans to create new roles. The company said that it was grateful to the team members for their contributions and added that they remain "committed to supporting them throughout their transition." 

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