Apple eliminates over 400 positions in AI, hardware and sales

Apple eliminated more than 400 positions across artificial intelligence, mixed reality, hardware management and sales from August 2026 onward, based on media reports and state employment filings. The reductions are the first structural changes under John Ternus, who became chief executive on September 1, 2026, while Tim Cook moved to executive chairman.

The job cuts occurred in three waves between August and October, affecting AI software, hardware management and sales operations. In August, Gulf News and Economic Times reported that about 200 positions were removed from the Vision Products Group and Siri-related software teams. A California WARN notice listed 147 permanent separations at Apple sites. Of those, 79 were at Apple Park in Cupertino and 68 were split between two Sunnyvale locations, with separations effective October 19 and 20, 2026. Software engineers, AI and machine-learning specialists, computer-vision engineers and AR/VR developers were among the roles affected, according to the notice and local coverage.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in September that Apple cut engineering program managers in its hardware group, including around six directors. Some of those managers received weeks to look for other roles inside the company before potential termination later in the year. An October report connected additional reductions to a restructuring of Apple's sales teams serving business, education and government customers; the number of jobs lost in that phase was not confirmed.

The total above 400 is a media-reported estimate from Gulf News, Economic Times and Bloomberg. The only figure backed by a primary government record is the 147 positions in the California WARN filing. Apple has not publicly confirmed the full size or schedule of the restructuring. Available evidence points to a targeted, phased shift of resources toward AI rather than a broad cost-cutting program.