Meta layoffs today: Facebook parent is slashing hundreds of workers from Reality Labs VR division

Core Insights - Meta Platforms has announced layoffs affecting up to 1,500 positions in its Reality Labs division, representing about 10% of the workforce in that division [2][4][10] - The layoffs are part of a strategic shift away from virtual and augmented reality towards wearables and mobile device experiences [5][6] - This marks the largest tech layoffs of 2026 so far, raising concerns about potential job cuts in other non-AI sectors within the tech industry [10] Company Overview - Reality Labs is responsible for developing Meta's augmented and virtual reality products, including the metaverse initiative, which has not gained significant consumer interest [3][8] - The division currently employs approximately 15,000 workers, making the 10% reduction equate to around 1,500 job losses [4] Strategic Shift - Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, indicated that the company is reallocating resources from the metaverse to focus on wearables and mobile experiences [5][6] - The decision to cut jobs in Reality Labs is part of a broader effort to make the business more sustainable and to support growth in wearables [6] Market Reaction - Following the announcement of the layoffs, Meta's shares fell by more than 2% in midday trading [9] - The layoffs reflect a trend in the tech industry where companies are increasingly prioritizing AI development over traditional tech sectors [10] Industry Context - In 2025, nearly 124,000 jobs were lost across 269 tech companies, with a decreasing trend in annual tech layoffs since 2022 [11] - The tech industry is witnessing a shift in focus, with AI becoming the primary area of investment, as evidenced by Meta's strategic changes [10][11]