Tech Layoffs 2026: Apple, Netflix, TikTok and LinkedIn Slash Jobs as Industry Cuts Accelerate

Tech layoffs in 2026 have already surpassed all of 2025, with 127,180 jobs cut across 281 companies. Apple, Netflix, TikTok, and LinkedIn all announced fresh cuts this month. Apple laid off around 200 employees from its Siri, Vision Pro, and gaming teams. TikTok cut 75 more jobs in the Seattle area after slashing 250 positions earlier in August. The pace shows no sign of slowing as companies restructure around AI investment priorities.

Apple Cuts Hit Siri And Vision Pro Teams

Apple rarely announces mass layoffs, making this month’s cuts unusually notable across the industry.

Vision Pro and AI Divisions Face the Biggest Impact

AppleInsider first reported more than 60 job cuts from the Vision Pro team last week. Bloomberg later confirmed the total reached roughly 200 employees across Siri, gaming, and immersive video divisions.

#TechToday | Apple job cuts 2026: iPhone maker slashes 200 jobs in Siri, Vision Pro immersive video, gaming teams https://t.co/qrk700YCIn

— Business Today (@business_today) August 22, 2026

Apple’s statement:

• New roles will open even as some existing positions disappear.
• Affected staff can apply internally for other company openings.
• Vision Pro has struggled commercially since its 2025 launch.

TikTok Begins a Second Round of August Layoffs

TikTok’s late-August cuts hit a different department than its earlier Nashville office closure.

E-Commerce And Engineering Roles Affected

GeekWire reported TikTok cut 75 Seattle-area jobs, following 250 layoffs earlier this month tied to its Nashville content moderation office shutdown. This round targets e-commerce operations specifically.

Key details from TikTok’s WARN filing:

• Roles affected include data scientists and software engineers.
• The company attributed the changes to recent operational restructuring.
• Displaced staff may apply for other internal roles.

TikTok plans to permanently lay off 75 employees at its Bellevue location, according to a notice filed with the Washington Employment Security Department.https://t.co/CNXBjxpy9d

— KOMO News (@komonews) August 20, 2026

Netflix Shutters Two Gaming Studios

Netflix’s gaming ambitions took another hit this month, continuing a pattern from recent years.

Night School Studio And Moonloot Close

GameFile reported Netflix (NFLX) is closing Los Angeles-based Night School Studio, maker of the Oxenfree series, along with Helsinki-based Moonloot. Netflix has not disclosed the exact headcount numbers affected.

Netflix’s stated reasoning:

• The company wants tighter focus on execution priorities.
• Organizational changes aim to match resources with strategy.
• This marks Netflix’s latest games-division closure since 2022.

LinkedIn Shuts Israel R&D Center

LinkedIn’s cuts this round center on a research operation built through acquisition years earlier.

Fifty Jobs Lost As Oribi Unit Closes

CTech reported LinkedIn is shuttering its Israel R&D center, established in 2022 after acquiring analytics startup Oribi for $80 million to $90 million. The center employed about 50 people.

Context behind the closure:

• Microsoft-owned LinkedIn has not detailed its exact reasoning.
• LinkedIn separately confirmed 5% workforce cuts earlier in 2026.
• That earlier round affected roughly 875 employees company-wide.

Broader Industry Trend Accelerates Through 2026

Layoffs. fyi data shows 2026’s tech layoffs already exceed 2025’s full-year total of 122,606 job losses. Oracle alone cut 21,000 positions, about 13% of its workforce, citing AI-driven restructuring. Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Cisco, and Samsung have also announced significant reductions this year. Even with 2026’s pace accelerating, cuts remain below the 2023 peak of 265,660 layoffs across 1,194 companies.

Final Thoughts

Tech layoffs in 2026 have already outpaced last year’s total, with Apple, Netflix, TikTok, and LinkedIn all cutting jobs this month. AI-driven restructuring continues reshaping hiring priorities. More cuts appear likely before year-end.

Disclaimer:

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