Apple Inc. is set to disband a 121-person artificial intelligence (AI) team in San Diego, putting numerous employees at risk of termination, according to insiders. The group, known as Data Operations Annotations, has been informed that they may relocate to Austin and merge with the Texas segment of the team. Employees have until the end of February to decide on relocation; otherwise, termination is slated for April 26.
Christine DeFilippo, a top deputy to Apple AI chief John Giannandrea, reportedly announced the decision to close the San Diego group. The team, responsible for enhancing Siri through voice service queries, operates globally, with offices in China, India, Ireland, and Spain.
Apple confirmed the relocation, citing a consolidation of its “Data Operations Annotations teams in the US” at the Austin campus, where a majority of the team is already based. The company assured current employees the opportunity to continue their roles with Apple in Austin.
Despite the move, Apple expressed commitment to San Diego, emphasizing significant growth and ongoing hiring. For affected teams in other countries, Apple maintains operations in a single office.
San Diego employees were surprised by the relocation, having been informed of a move to a new Apple campus in the area. Instead, they are required to relocate to Austin, with many expressing reluctance to make the move. Apple suggested employees apply for other roles, but concerns arise regarding eligibility due to lacking engineering backgrounds.
The AI team in San Diego focuses on Siri use in various languages. The relocation could lead to several dozen workers leaving Apple, which has largely avoided layoffs since the pandemic. Apple offers relocation stipends and severance packages, depending on the employees’ decisions.
The AI team has a significant history within Apple, originally comprised of contractors addressing Siri queries for accuracy. Privacy concerns led to changes in 2019, replacing contractors with full-time employees. Some team members are now involved in Apple’s transition to AI products based on large language models, with plans to announce details in June.