According to reports by Microsoft and , Apple may be laying off some employees from its retail team. Although it’s not known how many people will be affected at this time, Bloomberg claims that the number is “likely small”. Both outlets also claim that the company is using the move internally to improve its operations and not as a cost-cutting measure.
Apple’s inability to layoff employees has made it stand out from other tech companies that have announced significant cuts. These include:
- Google: 12,000 jobs
- Amazon: 27,000 Jobs
- Meta: 21,000 jobs
- Microsoft: 10,000 Jobs
Apple’s layoffs appear to be on a much smaller scale than it used to, but it doesn’t seem like it can continue to act as an example of a company who hasn’t laid off employees.
The Monday reports indicate that Apple is cutting jobs in its division that manages the maintenance and building of retail stores. The affected employees were informed that they have until Friday to apply for other positions within the company. According to Bloomberg, Apple offers up to four months’ worth of severance compensation to those who are unable to remain.
These are the first full-time layoffs at Apple since the tech cuts. However, CEO Tim Cook stated The Wall Street Journal last month that the company was laying off employees, leaving some positions open, slowing down the hiring process, and delaying bonuses.
Bloomberg reports that Apple is cutting jobs within its ‘development & preservation teams’. These groups are responsible for maintaining and building all Apple retail stores worldwide and other similar facilities.
The report states that Apple is attempting to streamline its workforce rather than making layoffs. The company also informed employees that all changes were made to ensure the preservation of stores around the world. Apple is expected to offer support for workers who are affected by the changes.
Apple is one of few tech companies that has not engaged in mass layoffs. Some reports had suggested that Apple may have only laid off contract workers, but these layoffs were small. Many of its competitors, such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and others, have also laid off large numbers of employees, unlike the iPhone maker.
