Cupertino :
In a significant move, tech giant Apple Inc. has ceased its ambitious car and smartwatch display projects, leading to the termination of over 600 jobs in California.
Filings Reveal Impact on California Workforce
According to filings submitted to the California Employment Development Department, Apple’s decision has had a profound effect on its workforce.
These disclosures shed light on the company’s adherence to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) program.
Uncertainty Surrounding Project Closure
The closure of both projects commenced in late February, marking the end of major technological endeavors.
While the car project faced challenges stemming from executive indecision and cost concerns, the smartwatch display program encountered hurdles related to engineering, suppliers, and costs.
Layoffs Extend to Santa Clara Headquarters
The fallout of the project closures extended to Apple’s headquarters in Santa Clara, where 371 employees were let go.
Dozens more were affected across various offices, indicating the widespread impact of the decision.
Shifting Priorities and Workforce Realignment
Despite the layoffs, Apple has been strategically reallocating resources,
with some employees transitioning to teams focusing on artificial intelligence and personal robotics.
However, the full scope of the layoffs remains undisclosed, as Apple’s engineers worked on these projects across multiple locations, including Arizona.
This development underscores Apple’s shifting priorities and its continued pursuit of innovation in the tech industry.
