According to Bloomberg News, Apple Inc. has reportedly cut about 100 jobs from its digital services group, with the most significant reductions impacting the team responsible for the Apple Books app and Apple Bookstore.
These layoffs include engineering roles and other services teams, including those managing Apple News, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Apple has not commented on the reports.
Apple Reorganization Amid Strategic Shifts:
These layoffs come as Apple continues to reorganize its teams in response to shifting priorities, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence (AI). The company has been refocusing its efforts, including suspending work on its next high-end Vision headset and closing a project earlier this year to design and develop its own smartwatch displays.
As Apple navigates these changes, it remains unclear how many employees are currently in its services division. According to its latest annual report, Apple had approximately 161,000 full-time equivalent employees as of September 30, 2023.
Challenges in the Chinese Market:
Apple’s restructuring efforts coincide with challenges in its third-largest market, China, where sales have been under pressure.
The company reported a 6.5% decline in sales in the region last quarter, highlighting the headwinds it faces in one of its key markets.
These developments indicate Apple’s ongoing strategy to adapt to the evolving tech landscape while facing external market pressures.