TL;DR:
- Apple is disbanding a 121-person team responsible for Siri improvements.
- Employees must decide by February to relocate to Austin or face termination in April.
- The team has global offices in China, India, Ireland, and Spain.
- Apple aims to consolidate its “Data Operations Annotations teams” in Austin.
- Several dozen workers may leave Apple due to this move.
- Apple, with 161,000 employees as of September, has generally avoided layoffs during the pandemic.
Main AI News:
Apple is poised to disband a pivotal 121-person team dedicated to enhancing Siri’s capabilities, potentially jeopardizing the livelihoods of numerous employees, as revealed by Bloomberg.
This San Diego-based unit has been directed to relocate to Austin and integrate with the Texan contingent of the same division. Employees are facing a critical decision, with Apple setting a deadline until the close of February for them to choose whether to make the move. Failure to do so will result in their termination effective April 26.
It’s worth noting that this team maintains a global presence, with offices in China, India, Ireland, and Spain. As confirmed by an Apple spokesperson, the decision is part of the company’s strategy to consolidate its “Data Operations Annotations teams in the US together at our campus in Austin, where a majority of the team is already based.”
This strategic shift may result in the departure of several dozen individuals from Apple’s workforce. Notably, Apple, with a workforce numbering 161,000 as of September, has generally succeeded in avoiding layoffs during the pandemic, a distinction setting it apart from many of its industry peers.
Conclusion:
Apple’s decision to disband its Siri improvement team and consolidate data operations in Austin reflects a strategic move to streamline its processes. While this could lead to some job losses, Apple’s ability to maintain minimal layoffs amidst industry challenges showcases its resilience and adaptability in a competitive market.
