Amazon Cuts Jobs in Devices and Services Division
Amazon reduces workforce in its Devices and Services unit to streamline operations and focus on key business priorities.
Amazon has laid off approximately 100 employees from its Devices and Services division, which oversees products such as the Kindle, Echo smart speakers, Alexa voice assistant, and Zoox autonomous vehicles.
The company confirmed the job cuts on Wednesday in response to an inquiry from Reuters, stating that the layoffs represent a small fraction of the unit's total workforce. According to a spokesperson, the decision was part of Amazon’s regular business review aimed at streamlining operations and aligning more closely with the company's evolving product roadmap. However, the company did not specify which specific teams within the division were affected.
“As part of our ongoing efforts to improve efficiency across teams and programs, we’ve made the difficult choice to eliminate a limited number of roles,” the spokesperson said.
The move follows a series of smaller layoffs across various Amazon units in recent months, including its Alexa, Wondery podcast, retail stores, and communications teams. Amazon previously reduced some Alexa-related positions in 2023.
Despite these cuts, the Seattle-based tech giant added around 4,000 jobs between the fourth quarter of last year and the first quarter of 2025, according to its latest earnings report.
The cost-cutting measure comes shortly after Amazon introduced a major overhaul of Alexa, incorporating generative AI to enhance its conversational abilities and enable more proactive user interactions. CEO Andy Jassy has emphasized the need to reduce internal bureaucracy, including scaling back the number of management roles.
Amazon shares closed slightly lower on Wednesday, down less than 1% at $210.25.
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