Apple has recently announced its decision to shut down its Data Operations Annotations division, which consists of 121 employees specializing in Siri and artificial intelligence in San Diego. This move comes after the company resisted layoffs in 2023, marking a significant shift in its strategy.
According to reports, employees of the Data Operations Annotations group have until the end of February to choose between relocating to Austin or facing termination from Apple. The San Diego employees were notified on Wednesday about the relocation plan, which involves merging with the existing team in Texas.
Sources, who wish to remain anonymous, have revealed that employees have until the end of February to make their decision. If they choose not to relocate, they risk losing their jobs by April 26. It’s worth noting that the Data Operations Annotations group also operates in China, India, Ireland, and Spain. Fortunately, employees in these locations have the option to remain in their current positions without the need to relocate.
An Apple spokesperson has clarified that the team is being shifted to the Austin campus, where a majority of the team is already located. Those who opt to relocate will have the opportunity to continue their current roles at Apple. However, it has been reported that Apple initially informed the Siri and AI team about a different plan, involving a relocation within San Diego. The sudden change to Austin has caught some employees by surprise and may pose challenges for them.
Some employees have expressed reluctance to relocate to Austin, and they have doubts about their eligibility for other positions within Apple due to the lack of engineering degrees. Apple has assured these employees that they can apply for other positions within the company, but their concerns remain.
In an effort to support employees who choose to relocate, Apple is offering $7,000 stipends. However, those who decide not to relocate will face role eliminations. They will receive four weeks of severance pay, an additional week for each year worked at Apple, and six months of health insurance.
Apple has not provided specific reasons for this decision, leaving room for speculation. Some believe that financial considerations may be a factor, especially as the company prepares to launch its ChatGPT rival, rumored to be named ‘Apple GPT,’ in June or July.
This move by Apple reflects the ever-evolving nature of the tech industry. Companies often make strategic decisions to streamline operations and adapt to changing market demands. While this decision may be challenging for the affected employees, it is a reminder of the dynamic nature of the industry and the need for constant adaptation.
As the affected employees weigh their options, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact Apple’s Siri and AI capabilities and the overall trajectory of the company’s future endeavors in the field of artificial intelligence.
