Apple Inc. has confirmed the layoff of 614 workers across eight facilities in Santa Clara, California. This move, revealed through a state WARN notice, represents Apple's most notable workforce reduction since the pandemic began.
The affected employees were notified on March 28, with the layoffs set to take effect on May 27.
This development follows closely on the heels of Apple's decision to terminate its long-standing project to develop an electric, self-driving car within the Special Projects Group.
While the WARN notice did not specify the projects linked to the job cuts, the locations mentioned suggest the elimination of roles tied to secretive, innovative endeavors rather than operations at Apple's main Cupertino headquarters.
Among the positions being eliminated are machine shop managers, hardware engineers, and product design engineers. This action contrasts with the broader tech industry's recent trend of substantial downsizing, from which Apple had largely been exempt due to its more measured growth during the pandemic.
An Apple spokesperson has opted not to comment on the layoffs. This move underscores the challenges even leading tech firms face in pioneering new technological frontiers, reflecting the intricate balance between innovation and operational viability in the highly competitive tech landscape.