Apple, usually known for keeping its employees even when other tech companies let theirs go, has surprised everyone by cutting jobs in late November 2025. Even though the company is worth $4 trillion and is making huge amounts of money—expecting nearly $140 billion just in the last three months of the year—it eliminated dozens of roles.
This move goes against what CEO Tim Cook said in 2023 about layoffs being a “last resort.” While companies like Amazon and Google have recently cut thousands of jobs, Apple has mostly remained stable.
However, this change indicates that even the most successful tech giant is reevaluating its operations. Instead of cutting jobs because it is losing money, Apple is doing it while it is financially stronger than ever.
Investors did not seem worried, as the stock price remained high, but some experts wonder if this will ultimately harm Apple’s relationships with major business clients.
Focus on Government and Corporate Sales
These layoffs specifically targeted the teams that sell to the government and big businesses. The cuts affected people who manage contracts with the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice, as well as staff who run briefing centers for corporate clients.
This area had already faced trouble due to a 43-day government shutdown and new budget pressures. Although Apple employs about 80,000 people in the U.S., and these cuts only affect a small number, the impact is heavy because many of the people losing their jobs are veterans who have worked there for 20 or 30 years.
These employees possess in-depth knowledge and strong relationships with clients who are now at risk. Apple informed these workers that they have until January 20, 2026, to find a new position within the company or accept a severance package. This gives them less than two months to figure out their future, which is a very short time for such long-term employees.
A Shift in Strategy and Industry Impact
Apple says these changes are not just about saving money, but also about improving how they reach customers. The company plans to rely more on outside partners to sell its products, rather than maintaining a large internal sales team.
While they are cutting these specific jobs, they are still hiring in other areas. However, they won’t say exactly how many people are leaving, which leaves many employees feeling unsure about their safety. This situation serves as a warning to the rest of the tech industry.
Jobs that seemed safe forever are no longer guaranteed, and other companies might now try to hire the experienced talent that Apple let go. As the January deadline approaches, regulators and labor experts are closely monitoring Apple’s compliance with all applicable rules.
Ultimately, this event demonstrates that even at the world’s largest company, business strategies can change rapidly, and workforce flexibility has become the new normal.