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Apple is cutting 147 jobs in Silicon Valley just weeks before the company is expected to unveil a new lineup of products.
The Apple layoffs primarily affect software engineers at the company’s offices in Cupertino and Sunnyvale, according to a WARN filing released Tuesday.
The cuts come during a major transition for Apple. The company is preparing for new product launches while also getting ready for a change in leadership.
Apple Layoffs Affect 147 Employees
The layoffs are spread across three Apple locations in California.
According to the WARN filing, 79 employees will lose their jobs at Apple’s One Apple Park Way headquarters in Cupertino. Another 40 positions will be eliminated at the company’s 605 W. Maude Ave. office in Sunnyvale.
An additional 28 workers at Apple’s 599 N. Mathilda Ave. location in Sunnyvale are also affected.
Software development engineers at Apple Park account for many of the cuts. Engineers working on augmented and virtual reality products were also among those affected at the Sunnyvale offices.
The employee separations are expected to begin Oct. 19.
Vision Products Face Cuts
The Apple layoffs also affect teams connected to the company’s augmented and virtual reality products.
Apple’s Vision Pro headset has struggled to gain widespread consumer interest since its launch. The $3,500 device has faced challenges in attracting buyers, raising questions about the company’s broader strategy for spatial computing.
The cuts come as Apple continues evaluating its investments in the technology.
Apple Prepares for Leadership Change
The layoffs arrive at a significant moment for Apple.
After 15 years as the company’s chief executive, Tim Cook is preparing to step down as CEO. John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware, is expected to take over the role.
Cook will remain involved with the company as executive chairman of Apple’s board.
Ternus will begin his tenure as Apple prepares for its traditional September product launch period.
Major Apple Products Expected in September
Apple is expected to introduce several products and software updates in September.
The company is reportedly preparing to unveil the iPhone 18 lineup and its first foldable iPhone. Other anticipated products include a new Mac Mini and updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods.
Apple is also expected to provide additional details about iOS 27.
The upcoming launches could give Ternus an early opportunity to establish his leadership as he takes over from Cook.
Apple’s AI Strategy Faces Questions
Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy is another major focus for the company.
Apple announced an expanded AI-powered Siri during its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. However, the technology received a mixed response from investors.
Apple’s stock fell more than 3% following the June announcement, reflecting concerns about the company’s progress in artificial intelligence.
The company has not commented publicly on the latest layoffs.
For now, the Apple layoffs add another layer of uncertainty as the technology giant prepares for new products, a leadership transition and growing competition in AI and emerging technologies.
Source: SFGATE.
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