- Google begins new round of layoffs in its Platforms and Devices unit, affecting Android, Chrome, and Pixel teams
- The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring that merged Android and Chrome into a single unit led by Rick Osterloh
- A Google spokesperson said the company is focusing on becoming “more nimble and operating more effectively”
Google has initiated another round of layoffs in its Platforms and Devices unit, which houses major products like Android, Chrome, and Pixel.
The move follows a voluntary exit programme launched in January and is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at boosting efficiency.
The Information, a U.S.-based tech media outlet, first broke the news on Friday, April 11, citing an insider familiar with the development.
According to the report, this new wave of job cuts affects the same unit that was formed last year when Google merged its Android and Chrome teams under the Pixel and Devices umbrella.
The newly formed group, led by Rick Osterloh, started with over 20,000 employees.
A Google spokesperson confirmed the development, stating:
“Since combining the platforms and devices teams last year, we’ve focused on becoming more nimble and operating more effectively, and this included making some job reductions in addition to the voluntary exit programme that we offered in January.”
This is not the first time in 2025 that Google has trimmed its workforce.
In February, the company extended buyout offers to its ‘People Operations’ division, commonly referred to as Human Resources, as part of ongoing cost-cutting and organisational optimisation strategies.
Google's latest cuts mirror a larger trend in the tech industry this year, with several major players downsizing their workforce amid economic pressures and shifting business priorities.
Meta, for instance, has laid off around 3,600 employees, about 5% of its workforce, as it shifts focus towards artificial intelligence and core strategic projects.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg described the move as necessary to realign operations with evolving goals.
Also, the company reportedly axed 2,280 roles while pausing hiring in several units, citing performance-based restructuring.
Amazon, too, has been affected by the wave of layoffs, recently cutting 2,100 jobs as part of its ongoing cost-efficiency measures.
Bento allegedly sacks tech team for protesting over delayed January salary
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bento Africa, Ebun Okubanjo allegedly sacked the company’s tech team following a protest over delayed January salary.
The laying-off of the 10-person team on Friday, January 31, came a week after the company was called out on social media over allegations of financial impropriety including alleged forging of tax receipts and failure to remit tax and pension payments on behalf of clients.