Apple has initiated a significant round of layoffs in California, affecting over 600 employees in what marks the company’s first major post-pandemic workforce reduction amid broader industry consolidations in the tech sector. The iPhone giant notified 614 workers across various offices on March 28, with the layoffs set to take effect on May 27, as reported in filings submitted to regional authorities. These employees were let go from eight different offices located in Santa Clara, according to disclosures under the state’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN). However, specifics regarding the departments or projects involved remain undisclosed. Apple has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these developments.

Previously, Apple stood out as one of the few tech companies that refrained from significant workforce reductions during the pandemic. However, with growth rates slowing down, the company, like its industry peers, is now prioritizing cost-cutting measures. Amidst a surge in hiring during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people increasingly engaged in online activities, major tech firms have expanded their workforces. Nevertheless, the landscape is evolving, prompting companies to streamline operations.

In a recent regulatory filing, Apple reported approximately 161,000 full-time equivalent employees. This move by Apple follows similar actions from other tech giants like Amazon, which announced layoffs in its cloud computing division AWS. Additionally, Electronic Arts, Sony, Cisco Systems, and Snap have all recently disclosed workforce reductions, illustrating a broader trend of workforce adjustments across the industry.