Apple Faces Second Wave of Layoffs in Two Months: Is AI Behind It?
In a fresh wave of job cuts, multinational tech giant Apple has once again decided to downsize its workforce. Following the layoff of 200 employees just last August, the US iPhone maker has taken this tough measure again this September. The decision comes amid the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology worldwide and an ongoing internal restructuring process.
According to reports, several employees from Apple’s specialized service team, Fitness+, have lost their jobs. The cuts primarily affected personnel associated with the audio department. This team managed popular features like Time to Walk and Time to Run, which deliver instructional and motivational audio content to Apple Watch users.
Analysts suggest that reducing headcount in these divisions may slow the pace of new audio content creation. However, Apple clarified that these features and services are not being discontinued for users at this time. Notably, Fitness+ is Apple’s subscription-based health and fitness service. Additionally, the team’s work played a role in supporting several AI-driven features. Against the backdrop of the current tech market landscape, Apple’s frequent layoffs have sparked renewed concern across Silicon Valley.
