With the end of its vehicle and MicroLED Apple Watch initiatives, Apple has formally announced the layoff of over 600 people. The computer behemoth is currently shifting its attention to generative AI initiatives.
Apple's 2014 automobile project was reportedly canceled in February. It was also stated that Apple team members were laid off or moved. Apple also canceled the Apple Watch Ultra with MicroLED display a few days later, striking off numerous workers.
The corporation only recently confirmed these layoffs. Apple acknowledged to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman that it fired off around 600 staff after shutting down its vehicle and MicroLED Apple Watch projects.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple fired roughly 600 California employees as part of major operations adjustments. Apple recently cut two ambitious car and wrist display projects.
The corporation filed multiple WARN reports with the California Employment Development Department, listing affected employees at various locations. Many personnel were tied to a covert next-generation screen development lab, while others worked on the automobile project.
The article said 371 people from Apple's Santa Clara automotive office were laid off, with "dozens of other employees at multiple satellite offices being impacted." Despite these developments, Apple has not released job cutbacks information.
These projects' engineers were scattered across the country, including Arizona, thus WARN notices only show a partial picture of employment cuts. While focusing on generative AI research, Apple is likely to make big announcements soon. The company's annual WWDC event on June 14 is likely to feature many AI-related announcements.
Two months ago, Apple CEO Tim Cook told an investors' call that the business was working on generative AI and wanted to be responsible with it.A 9 to 5 mac story indicated the Apple CEO said there was "work going on" with generative AI. Apple has also offered generative AI job postings. It was also reported that the corporation will invest over USD 1 billion annually on generative AI products and features.
Recently, Apple acquired DarwinAI and hired many of its employees for its AI group. Previous Bloomberg reports said the acquisition will help Apple create AI systems "faster and smaller." The story, citing insiders, said the Canadian company was bought earlier this year, but the financial terms were not disclosed.
AI researcher Alexander Wong, who helped build DarwinAI, joined Apple as an AI group director as part of the acquisition. Dozens of Darwin AI employees joined Apple's AI business.
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