Apple has initiated layoffs once again.

 

Apple Inc. has once again implemented layoffs for a number of employees in the artificial intelligence operations division located in San Diego, California, United States. An internal source within the company mentioned that the business line called Data Operations Annotations, employing 121 workers, will be relocated to Austin in the near future. Apple has announced that employees have until the end of February 2024 to decide whether they are willing to relocate or choose the option of layoffs.

The division, which also has offices in China, India, Ireland, and Spain, is responsible for enhancing Siri, the artificial intelligence system developed by Apple. "The announcement to close the San Diego group was made by Christine DeFilippo, Deputy Head of Apple AI John Giannandrea," said the source, as reported by Bloomberg on Sunday (14/1).

Several internal officials familiar with the matter stated that a majority of the affected workers are reluctant to move to Austin. An Apple spokesperson confirmed the relocation decision, stating that the company would consolidate the Data Operations Annotations team in the U.S. to a facility located in Austin. However, the spokesperson assured that layoffs were not the primary option. Instead, all employees have the right to choose whether they are willing to relocate or terminate their employment. "Everyone currently working will have the opportunity to continue their roles with Apple in Austin," said the Apple spokesperson.

The company is offering relocation benefits amounting to $7,000. Employees choosing to leave Apple will receive a severance package for a minimum of four weeks and health insurance coverage for the next six months. Last year, Apple also carried out layoffs in the retail division, specifically in the team responsible for procurement and maintenance of Apple retail stores worldwide. However, the number of affected workers was not disclosed