Tech layoffs cross 1.75 lakh in 2026 as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon join global job-cut wave

More than 175,000 technology workers have lost their jobs globally in 2026 as some of the world’s largest companies restructure operations, reduce costs and redirect billions of dollars towards artificial intelligence. Data from layoff tracker TrueUp shows the pace of job cuts has accelerated this year, putting the technology industry on course for another major round of workforce reductions. More than 245,000 technology workers were laid off during all of 2025.

The reasons extend beyond AI. Companies have also cited weaker demand, cost pressures, changing business priorities and broader restructuring. However, artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing how businesses allocate capital, organise teams and determine the skills they require.

Big Tech cuts deepen

Oracle has carried out one of the largest reductions, disclosing in June that it had eliminated around 21,000 positions over the preceding year, equivalent to roughly 13 per cent of its workforce. The company has acknowledged that adoption and deployment of AI technologies could continue to reduce its workforce.

Microsoft launched another round of layoffs in July affecting about 4,800 employees, or roughly 2.1 per cent of its workforce, with its Xbox operations among the businesses affected. Amazon has continued restructuring parts of its operations, including its artificial general intelligence division, while Meta earlier eliminated around 700 positions across areas including Reality Labs, recruiting and social media.

Apple has become one of the latest companies to join the wave, cutting at least 60 employees from its Vision Group, which works on the Vision Pro product line. Wider changes reportedly extend to teams involved in AI systems, with more than 200 positions estimated to be affected overall.

Layoffs spread across industry

The reductions are no longer confined to traditional technology giants. Visa is cutting about 2,600 positions, equivalent to around 7 per cent of its workforce, while Etsy has eliminated about 220 employees. Zillow is cutting just over 500 positions and TikTok plans to eliminate around 250 jobs and close its Nashville office.

Gaming and software companies have also been hit. Epic Games announced cuts affecting more than 1,000 employees, while Atlassian unveiled around 1,600 layoffs, representing roughly 10 per cent of its workforce. Rackspace has cut about 750 employees as it increases its focus on AI.

The continuing reductions underline a broader transformation of technology employment as companies spend heavily on AI infrastructure while reassessing conventional roles. With investment in artificial intelligence continuing to accelerate, the industry's restructuring — and accompanying job losses — may continue through the remainder of 2026.