Apple shuts down Siri-linked AI ops! Layoffs, relocations loom over employees

Apple is shutting down its 121-person AI Data Operations Annotations team in San Diego, responsible for enhancing Siri through voice service query accuracy. Employees face relocation to Austin or layoffs by April 26.

1. Apple is shutting down its 121-person Data Operations Annotations team in San Diego, responsible for enhancing Siri through voice service queries' accuracy.  (unsplash)

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1/6 1. Apple is shutting down its 121-person Data Operations Annotations team in San Diego, responsible for enhancing Siri through voice service queries' accuracy.  (unsplash)

2. The affected Apple team, with a history of addressing privacy concerns related to Siri query accuracy, has a small number of employees assisting Apple's move to AI products based on large language models, with plans to announce details in June.  (unsplash)

2/6 2. The affected Apple team, with a history of addressing privacy concerns related to Siri query accuracy, has a small number of employees assisting Apple's move to AI products based on large language models, with plans to announce details in June.  (unsplash)

3. The team was informed of a relocation to Austin to merge with the Texas counterpart, with employees given until the end of February to decide. Those unwilling to relocate will face termination on April 26.  (unsplash)

3/6 3. The team was informed of a relocation to Austin to merge with the Texas counterpart, with employees given until the end of February to decide. Those unwilling to relocate will face termination on April 26.  (unsplash)

4. Apple, offering $7,000 relocation stipends, stated that all current employees have the opportunity to continue their roles in Austin.   (unsplash)

4/6 4. Apple, offering $7,000 relocation stipends, stated that all current employees have the opportunity to continue their roles in Austin.   (unsplash)

5. Apple's San Diego employees were caught by surprise. In fact, they were expecting a relocation within the city, not Texas.  (unsplash)

5/6 5. Apple's San Diego employees were caught by surprise. In fact, they were expecting a relocation within the city, not Texas.  (unsplash)

6. Some employees are uncertain about eligibility for other roles due to a lack of engineering backgrounds. The move could potentially result in layoffs for several dozen Apple workers. (unsplash)

6/6 6. Some employees are uncertain about eligibility for other roles due to a lack of engineering backgrounds. The move could potentially result in layoffs for several dozen Apple workers. (unsplash)