Google has recently laid off hundreds of employees from its Android and Pixel teams, as part of an ongoing effort to streamline operations within its Platforms and Devices unit. This decision, made on April 10, follows months of encouraging voluntary departures among staff. Affected employees include those involved with the Android platform, Pixel smartphones, and the Chrome browser teams.
In a statement, Google explained that the layoffs were part of a broader strategy to become “more nimble and operate more effectively.” The tech giant had previously merged its Android and Pixel teams into one unit, a move that has reportedly led to staffing redundancies. These layoffs also supplement a voluntary exit program initiated earlier this year, aimed at reducing workforce numbers in teams related to Android Auto, Android TV, Wear OS, and other Google products.
In the wake of these changes, Google is diverting resources to bolster its artificial intelligence segment, particularly focusing on the improvement of its generative AI capabilities for the Gemini project. This shift mirrors trends seen in other major tech companies, like Meta, which has similarly undergone multiple layoffs to enhance departmental efficiency while reallocating resources toward AI. As a result of these layoffs, Google’s workforce, which stood at around 180,000 prior to these cuts, will experience further reductions.
The previous year’s layoffs accounted for about 6% of the company’s total workforce, and while this latest round may not be as extensive, its impact on the Android and Pixel teams is expected to be significant. Google continues to evaluate its staffing needs, and further updates are anticipated regarding the company’s restructuring efforts.