Apple Allegedly Reduces Workforce by Over 200 in Vision Pro and Siri Development Teams

Apple has announced job cuts within its Vision Pro and Siri divisions as the company shifts its focus towards smart eyewear and advanced AI technologies, according to reports. Approximately 200 positions are being eliminated, split evenly between the Vision Pro team and the Siri software group.

The layoffs are primarily targeting those involved in gaming and immersive video projects within the Vision Pro team. Concurrently, the cuts in the Siri division affect employees working on the older version of the virtual assistant, as expertise in different areas is required for the new AI system.

In a statement, Apple confirmed the layoffs while expressing commitment to support affected employees during their transition. “We will create new roles as part of this adjustment, but it will also result in a limited impact on existing roles,” the company said. “We appreciate the contributions of these team members and are dedicated to assisting them, including offering opportunities for other positions within Apple.”

This development is not entirely unexpected. Previous reports suggested that Apple had halted plans for a successor to the Vision Pro and is redirecting resources towards AI-driven smart glasses. Recently, a senior executive leading the Vision Pro initiative departed for OpenAI, and teams have been reassigned from Vision Pro to work on the new AR glasses. Apple is also transitioning away from the traditional Siri to a more advanced AI-driven system that was introduced with iOS 27.

Despite the Vision Pro’s initial emphasis on immersive video, Apple reportedly concluded that the costs associated with producing such content outweigh the benefits, especially considering the limited user base for the headset. The high price tag of $3,699 has hindered widespread adoption, coupled with a cumbersome user interface.

Apple assured employees that the Vision Pro and its operating system, VisionOS, will not be discontinued, with plans for a new version expected as early as 2028. Nevertheless, given the company’s pivot towards smart glasses that do not focus on immersive video or gaming, these layoffs were seemingly unavoidable. As of now, no further comments from Apple have been made.