Apple Cuts Over 200 Jobs in Vision Pro and Siri Teams, Shifts Focus to Smart Glasses and AI

Apple has laid off more than 200 employees across its Vision Pro, Siri, and other software teams, according to reports from Bloomberg and confirmed by The Verge, Engadget, 9to5Mac, and MacRumors. The cuts mark one of the largest internal workforce reductions in the company's hardware and virtual assistant divisions in recent years. Bloomberg's report, cited by The Verge, says the layoffs include the closure of the team focused on developing games for the Vision Pro headset, as well as a reduction in the team responsible for producing immersive content for the device. This signals a significant shift in priorities within Apple's Vision Products Group, which was previously seen as the company's bet on spatial computing. The exact number of affected employees was detailed by MacRumors.

Approximately 100 employees from the Vision Products Group lost their jobs, while about 100 people were cut from the Siri and software teams. The total exceeds 200 positions, matching Bloomberg's initial report and Engadget's confirmation. The decision comes less than three years after the Vision Pro launched in early 2024. The headset was Apple's major bet on spatial computing, a term the company uses to describe blending digital content with the physical world. However, with a price tag of $3,499, the device failed to attract mass market interest as analysts had hoped at launch. In an official statement to Bloomberg, Apple said the changes are intended to grow their business and provide the best experience for users.

The company also said it will open new roles as part of the restructuring. The Verge reported that Apple did not immediately respond to their additional requests for comment on further details regarding hiring plans. Engadget reported that the layoffs come as Apple shifts its focus toward developing smart glasses and next generation AI technology. While the report did not specify whether the savings from these layoffs will be directly redirected to the smart glasses project, the company's new strategic direction indicates that human and financial resources are now being prioritized for product categories considered more commercially viable. The closure of the Vision Pro gaming team is a key highlight of this wave of layoffs.

That team was previously responsible for developing gaming experiences that leveraged the Vision Pro's hand and eye tracking capabilities. With the team disbanded, the future of exclusive gaming content for the visionOS platform is now uncertain. Meanwhile, the reduction of the immersive content team raises questions about the continued production of 360 degree videos and cinematic experiences that were a major selling point for the Vision Pro at launch. On the virtual assistant front, the cuts to the Siri team come as Apple tries to catch up in artificial intelligence. The Cupertino, California based company has faced significant pressure to deliver a more intelligent digital assistant that can compete with similar products from rivals.

The reduction in staff on the Siri and AI teams indicates a reassessment of the existing team structure, although Apple has not yet announced detailed plans for overhauling its Siri development strategy. Apple's decision to cut employees in divisions that were previously top priorities reflects the fast moving dynamics of the tech industry. The Vision Pro, initially positioned as a revolutionary product, now faces a difficult market reality. High pricing, a lack of compelling exclusive content, and competition from other mixed reality devices are factors that have forced Apple to reevaluate its investment in this product line. Meanwhile, the new focus on smart glasses suggests Apple still believes in the future of wearable devices, but with a different approach.

Smart glasses are seen as a more practical and lighter evolution compared to bulky headsets like the Vision Pro. Although there has been no official announcement regarding a launch timeline for Apple's smart glasses, this restructuring move sends a strong signal that the company is preparing the foundation for its next generation of devices. These layoffs also serve as an important indicator for the broader tech industry. Apple's decision to cut teams working on a product launched just two years ago shows that even the world's most valuable company is not immune to pressures for efficiency and profitability. This aligns with the cost cutting trend seen across major tech companies in recent years.

Apple has not yet made any official statement about whether there will be additional layoffs in the future. However, Bloomberg's report notes that the company will open new roles, indicating that this restructuring is more about reallocating resources than an overall workforce reduction. Affected employees may have the opportunity to apply for new positions that match their skills within the company. Industry analysts will continue to monitor Apple's next moves, especially regarding the development of smart glasses and deeper AI integration into its product ecosystem. The simultaneous reduction of the Vision Pro and Siri teams shows that Apple is consolidating internally to face a new phase of technological competition, where artificial intelligence and lightweight wearable devices are predicted to be the main battleground.