Apple Closes Siri, AI Division in San Diego, Shifts Focus to 'Apple GPT'

After successfully avoiding layoffs in 2023, Apple has finally caved in, and according to the most recent news, the corporation is closing a division with 121 employees working on Siri and artificial intelligence. The operations took place in San Diego, and according to recent information, many people fear losing their jobs unless they can transfer to the new division in another location.

Apple Reportedly Shutting Down Siri and AI Team in San Diego

The division was named Data Operations Annotations, and according to Bloomberg, the 121-person team was informed on Wednesday that they would relocate to Austin to combine with the Texas unit. People familiar with the situation, who wished to remain anonymous, also stated that these employees had until the end of February to determine whether to relocate; else, they risk losing their employment on April 26.

The Data Operations Annotations group comprises operations in China, India, Ireland, and Spain. People are responsible for enhancing Siri by listening to requests, but fortunately, they will not have to relocate.

According to an Apple spokeswoman, the Data Operations Annotations team will be transferred to the Austin campus, where the majority of the team now resides. Employees who choose to relocate will be able to continue in their present employment at Apple.

Apple appears to have notified the Siri and AI teams of a separate plan, alleging that the corporation began giving packing boxes to employees in January to prepare for relocation within San Diego. Instead, much to the employees' astonishment, they are now required to relocate to Austin, which may not be viable for everyone.

Apple Offers Relocation Stipends Amid Staff Reshuffle for ChatGPT Rival 'Apple GPT' Launch

Some employees have claimed that they are unwilling to transfer to Austin, and while Apple has advised them that they can apply for other positions, these individuals do not believe they will be considered because they lack engineering degrees, as per WCCFTech.

To make things easier for employees who have opted to relocate, Apple is providing $7,000 stipends. Those who do not shift will have their positions abolished, but they will still receive four weeks of severance pay, an additional week for each year working at Apple, and six months of health insurance.

Apple has not commented on whether this decision was intended to decrease financial overheads as the business prepares to introduce its ChatGPT rival, called 'Apple GPT', later this year, though reports suggest that the Cupertino titan would unveil its own Large Language Model in June or July.

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