Google Cuts Jobs in Android and Pixel Teams Amid AI Shift

Alphabet’s Google has laid off hundreds of employees in its Platforms and Devices division, which includes key products like the Android OS, Pixel smartphones, and the Chrome browser, according to a report by The Information. The layoffs follow voluntary buyout offers made to employees in January.

A Google spokesperson confirmed the decision, stating the company has been streamlining operations since merging the platforms and devices teams last year. “We’ve focused on becoming more nimble and operating more effectively, and this included making some job reductions in addition to the voluntary exit program,” the spokesperson said.

The move comes as major tech firms shift their focus and budgets toward artificial intelligence and data center infrastructure, reducing investment in other areas. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, let go of about 5% of its lowest-rated performers earlier this year while accelerating its hiring of machine learning engineers. Similarly, Microsoft eliminated 650 jobs in its Xbox division, and Amazon reduced staff in multiple departments, including communications. Apple also reportedly cut around 100 roles in its digital services group.

In a separate round earlier this year, Bloomberg reported that Google’s cloud division had also been affected by targeted layoffs, impacting only select teams.

Alphabet had previously announced in January 2023 that it would reduce its global workforce by 12,000, representing about 6% of its employees. These latest cuts highlight the ongoing restructuring across Big Tech as companies reallocate resources toward AI-driven growth and seek greater operational efficiency.