Amazon has announced another round of layoffs, this time targeting its Devices and Services division, which includes key businesses like Alexa, Echo hardware, Ring video doorbells, and Zoox robotaxis. The company described this as a move to make teams more efficient and better aligned with its product roadmap. While Amazon did not specify exactly which teams or roles were affected, it emphasized the cuts are limited in scope and that hiring is ongoing within the division.
Amazon spokesperson Kristy Schmidt explained the layoffs as part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations, reduce bureaucracy, and simplify decision-making. CEO Andy Jassy is leading structural changes aimed at scaling back layers of management across the company to enhance agility and cut costs.
This comes after Amazon rolled out its biggest Alexa upgrade in over a decade, introducing generative AI-powered Alexa Plus, designed to make the assistant more conversational, proactive, and personalized. Despite this innovation, Amazon has continued with targeted workforce reductions over recent months in various areas including podcasting (Wondery), retail stores, and corporate communications.
Financially, the company reported a net increase of about 4,000 jobs between Q4 2023 and Q1 2024, but layoffs continue as part of a broader effort started in 2022 to cut 27,000 roles by 2025 — the largest reduction in Amazon’s history. These moves aim to boost operational efficiency by trimming management layers and refocusing on emerging tech priorities.
In essence, Amazon is balancing innovation investment with a strong focus on leaner, more efficient teams, which means some job cuts but also continued hiring in key growth areas.
