Google has recently implemented layoffs affecting several hundred employees within its Platforms and Devices division, the team behind key products like Android, Pixel smartphones, and the Chrome browser. This decision comes on the heels of a voluntary exit program offered to U.S.-based employees in the same unit back in January.
A Google spokesperson explained that after merging the Platforms and Devices teams last year, the company has been striving to become more agile and efficient. This restructuring is part of those efforts to streamline operations and enhance overall effectiveness.
These layoffs are part of a broader trend within Google. In January 2023, the company announced plans to reduce its global workforce by 12,000 positions, accounting for approximately 6% of its employees. Additionally, in February 2025, there were reports of further cuts within Google’s cloud division, though these were limited to specific teams.
The Platforms and Devices division encompasses a wide range of products and services, including Android (covering Auto, TV, Wear OS, and XR), Chrome, ChromeOS, Google Photos, Google One, as well as hardware products like Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest. This extensive portfolio highlights the significance of the recent layoffs within the company.
In January, Google introduced a voluntary exit program for U.S.-based employees in the Platforms and Devices team, offering severance packages to those willing to depart. This initiative was part of the company’s efforts to streamline operations and ensure that remaining team members are deeply committed to Google’s mission of product innovation and development.
These workforce adjustments reflect Google’s ongoing strategy to optimize its operations and focus on key areas of growth and innovation. While such decisions are challenging, they are often undertaken to align the company’s resources with its strategic objectives in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
