In February this year, it was reported that Apple was shutting down its car project, something that was in the works since 2014. It was also reported that Apple employees working in the team were either shifted to a new role, or were laid off. And a couple of days later, Apple also scrapped the idea of Apple Watch Ultra with MicroLED display, thus laying off many employees again. However, there was no official confirmation from the company regarding these layoffs until now. As per a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has now confirmed that it laid off more than 600 employees as a result of shutting down its car and MicroLED Apple Watch projects.
Apple confirms layoffs
As per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple handed the pink slip to over 600 employees in California as part of significant changes in its operations. Two ambitious projects, focused on car and smartwatch display development, were slashed by the Cupertino-based tech giant recently. The company filed multiple reports with the California Employment Development Department under the WARN program, outlining the affected employees at various locations. A considerable number of employees were linked to a secretive facility dedicated to next-generation screen development, while others were associated with the car project.
The report also added that 371 employees were laid off from Apple’s primary car-related office in Santa Clara, with “dozens of other employees at multiple satellite offices being impacted.” Despite these developments, Apple has not disclosed further details about the job cuts.
It’s important to note that the WARN notices only provide a partial view of the overall job reductions, as many engineers from these projects were situated in different locations, including Arizona.
Apple’s focus on generative AI
Meanwhile, Apple is focusing more on generative AI projects and is expected to make some exciting announcements soon. The company’s annual event, WWDC, will be happening on June 14 this year and many AI-related announcements are expected to be a part of the event.
A couple of months back, Apple CEO Tim Cook had said during an investors’ call that Apple was working on generative AI and the company wants to be responsible with it.
The Apple boss said, as per a 9 to 5 mac report, that there was “work going on” when it comes to generative AI. In addition to this, Apple has also been hiring for generative AI roles and has posted various job listings in the field. Reports had also surfaced that the company plans on spending over USD 1 billion every year to make generative AI products and features.
More recently, Apple bought an artificial intelligence (AI) startup called DarwinAI and incorporated many of its employees into its own AI division. A previous Bloomberg report had revealed that the acquisition would help Apple make AI systems “faster and smaller.” The purchase of the Canadian company was completed earlier this year, although the specific financial terms were not disclosed in the report, which cited sources familiar with the situation.
As part of the acquisition, Alexander Wong, an AI researcher who played a role in DarwinAI’s development, joined Apple as a director in its AI group. Dozens of Darwin AI’s employees also became a part of Apple’s AI division.
Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
