{"id":40468,"date":"2026-10-29T13:50:45","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T13:50:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=40468"},"modified":"2026-10-29T13:50:45","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T13:50:45","slug":"tech-titans-adjust-workforce-amid-product-launches-microsoft-cuts-60000-jobs-while-apple-unveils-new-ipad-mini","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/tech-titans-adjust-workforce-amid-product-launches-microsoft-cuts-60000-jobs-while-apple-unveils-new-ipad-mini\/","title":{"rendered":"Tech Titans Adjust Workforce Amid Product Launches: Microsoft Cuts 60,000 Jobs While Apple Unveils New iPad Mini"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As part of its strategy to reduce expenses and prepare its workforce for advancements in artificial intelligence, Microsoft plans to provide buyouts to approximately 60,000 employees, which constitutes about 25% of its total workforce.<\/p>\n

A Microsoft representative stated that personnel at the vice president level and below from the US, Canada, India, and the UK will be eligible for this initiative.<\/p>\n

Employees from divisions including Xbox, Windows, Copilot, and finance will participate in the buyout program, according to sources familiar with the situation.<\/p>\n

However, certain groups, such as those involved with data centers, sales, marketing, cybersecurity, and quantum computing, will not be included, said the sources. Microsoft did not provide specific details on the matter.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support,\u201d chief people officer Amy Coleman stated in a communication to staff.<\/p>\n

The company spokesperson indicated that workers will receive benefits akin to a conventional severance package. Microsoft has previously eliminated tens of thousands of jobs in systematic layoff rounds over the years.<\/p>\n

In July, the company extended buyout opportunities to employees approaching retirement, with more than 30% of the approximately 8,750 eligible participants accepting the offer.<\/p>\n

The spokesperson expressed that Microsoft anticipates a significantly lower acceptance rate for this current buyout compared to the voluntary retirement initiative. As of the end of June, Microsoft employed 223,000 individuals.<\/p>\n

This employee count has remained mostly stable since 2022, around the time when Microsoft began investing heavily in AI and data centers, resulting in budget constraints and hiring cuts in other areas of the company.<\/p>\n

The firm is set to release its financial results on Wednesday, with investors keenly watching for indications that its substantial AI investments are yielding returns.<\/p>\n

Several other tech firms are also reducing their workforces as they pivot resources towards AI infrastructure. Google provided voluntary buyouts<\/a> across various departments last year, according to CNBC.<\/p>\n

Meta Platforms Inc. has scaled back its workforce by over 20,000 since its peak in late 2022, as both companies rank among the top investors in data center technology.<\/p>\n

The Microsoft representative commented that the company seeks employees who are passionate about tackling the complex challenges it faces. [Bloomberg<\/a>]<\/p>\n

5 important things happening in tech today<\/h2>\n
\"Tech<\/figure>\n

Apple launches new iPad Mini:<\/strong> Apple has officially launched the 8th generation of its compact iPad tablet, featuring an OLED display and a slimmer design. The latest model also comes with IP67 certification for water and dust resistance, a feature absent in its predecessor. In the United States, this new model is priced at $699, which is $100 more than its 2024 version. [Ars Technica<\/a>]<\/p>\n

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Intel acquiring Israeli startup to boost quantum computing efforts:<\/strong> Intel has finalized a deal to acquire Israeli startup Classiq Technologies, marking a step toward enhancing its quantum computing initiatives. Classiq Technologies serves clients like BMW and AT&T, and its solutions enable the creation of code that works across various quantum hardware platforms. [Bloomberg<\/a>]<\/p>\n

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Apple addresses iPhone Duo screen crack concerns:<\/strong> Apple has responded to reports regarding issues with the inner display of its newly released iPhone Duo foldable phone, indicating that only a small percentage of units have been affected. This follows multiple reports from technology outlets detailing incidents of cracks in the same area of the device. Users were directed to reach out to AppleCare for replacements. [Engadget<\/a>]<\/p>\n

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Modifications unlock AI performance on Nvidia RTX cards:<\/strong> Tech enthusiasts have successfully modified low-level settings on Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 20, 30, and 40 Series graphics cards, removing limitations on computational performance and effectively doubling the throughput for certain Tensor Core tasks. This change can lead to significant enhancements in performance for specific AI-related applications. [VideoCardz<\/a>]<\/p>\n

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Netflix recruits former Apple executive for podcast initiative:<\/strong> Netflix has brought on Steve Wilson, previously the head of managed partner relations at Apple Podcasts, to lead its foray into the podcasting space. The streaming service aims to leverage podcasts to attract a larger audience. Wilson will oversee content development and initially serve in a consultancy role. [Bloomberg<\/a>]<\/p>\n

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