Apple cuts 200+ jobs across Siri and Vision Pro divisions
What's the story
Apple has cut more than 200 positions from its Siri and Vision Pro teams, according to Bloomberg. The move comes as part of a larger restructuring effort to focus on new devices and artificial intelligence (AI). The company is also downsizing its Intelligent Systems Experience team, which is part of the software engineering division working on various AI features across Apple devices.
Team adjustments
Major downsizing of Vision Pro team
The restructuring also involves a major downsizing of the Vision Pro team focused on gaming.
It also includes staff cuts in the unit that develops immersive video content for the headset.
The changes will see around 100 positions cut from the Vision Pro organization and another 100 from Siri and software teams, Bloomberg reported.
AI developments
Siri restructuring to develop AI-driven assistant
Apple's Siri restructuring is part of the company's plan to develop a new AI-driven version of the assistant on a revamped technical framework.
The project requires different skill sets, prompting Apple to cut some existing roles while shifting resources and adding new ones for the updated Siri.
Meanwhile, the reshuffling of the Intelligent Systems Experience team is aimed at reorganizing work on AI-powered capabilities across apps, features, and services.
Content strategy
Apple to produce fewer in-house videos for Vision Pro
Apple has said that the changes to the Vision Pro team are aimed at aligning priorities with customer usage of the headset and redirecting resources toward other products in development.
Despite high production costs, immersive video has been a key selling point for Vision Pro since its launch.
However, Apple is not abandoning this feature completely but plans to produce fewer in-house videos while encouraging third-party companies to create content for the headset.
Product focus
Smart glasses to take priority over immersive video experience
Despite the recent changes, Apple has confirmed that Vision Pro and the visionOS operating system will remain part of its product lineup.
However, in the near term, the company is prioritizing smart glasses, which won't support immersive video or high-end gaming titles.
The job cuts come as Apple gears up for an event next month where it is expected to unveil new products and updates.