Qualcomm to cut jobs globally in performance-focused layoffs

What happened

Qualcomm will cut jobs globally as part of performance-focused layoffs, with notifications to affected employees beginning in November 2026.

Why it matters

Thousands of employees face uncertainty as the company pivots away from smartphone-dominated revenue.

Remember this

Qualcomm is cutting jobs as it shifts to AI-focused chip sales.

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More context & who is affected

Qualcomm to cut jobs globally as part of performance-focused layoffs, with notifications to affected employees beginning in November 2026. The memo does not specify the number of jobs affected, but the company had approximately 52,000 employees worldwide as of September 2025.

The layoffs follow annual employee reviews and align with Qualcomm's strategic shift toward non-smartphone businesses, such as AI data centers. The company expects the majority of its chip sales to come from these sectors by fiscal 2027, signaling a pivot away from smartphone-centric revenue streams.

CEO Cristiano Amon emphasized the need for the right talent in the right roles to ensure continued success, as Qualcomm expands its competencies and skills globally.

Employee Count: ~52,000 Globally as of September 2025.Economic Times
Notification Timeline: November 2026 Affected employees will receive notifications.Reuters
Revenue Shift: Non-smartphone businesses (e.g., AI data centers) Expected by fiscal 2027.Reuters

Background

Qualcomm's layoffs signal a broader transformation in the semiconductor industry, as companies pivot to AI-driven growth and reduce dependence on traditional mobile markets.