The slow progress of iPhone sales is reportedly pressuring Apple to reduce its hiring in some divisions.
Bloomberg reported that Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the decision during a company meeting earlier this month. Cook did not announce which divisions will be affected but he said artificial intelligence (AI) departments will continue to hire new workers.
To put employees at ease, Cook reportedly explained that "hiring rates" do not measure a division's significance to the company. Furthermore, layoffs are a different topic as opposed to cutting back on hiring.
Aside from the announcement, it was revealed that a number of company senior vice presidents held a meeting with managers and senior directors. The discussion is said to have focused on finding ways to boost iPhone sales.
Apple believes that new innovation is the solution to solve the issue of poor iPhone sales during the last quarter of 2018. It has yet to be revealed if the company came up with new ideas to sell more iPhones this year.
Meanwhile, it appears that Apple has found a wise method to boost the interest of potential iPhone buyers. A report obtained by 9to5Mac suggests that the company will be allowing for discounts in the months to come.
Discounts will reportedly be available to China smartphone enthusiasts as price cuts will be dropped on various models including the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Private financial services and investment firm Wedbush dropped the news.
"[China is critical for Apple going forward and that's'] why we expect more significant price cuts on XR over the coming months. While some investors will fret around price cuts and what it means for top-line growth in the next few quarters and losing perception as a luxury smartphone, taking a step back it's all about the installed base for Apple," the firm predicted.
Wedbush went on to reveal bigger news, suggesting that Apple may finally launch its streaming video service. The firm believes that a standalone video content service that allowing for subscriptions is being planned for next year.
Furthermore, Wedbush recommended in its report that Apple should consider Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, or A24 if it opts to push the supposed plan for streaming.
In the past, rumors emerged about Apple eyeing Disney or Netflix to provide customers with a streaming promo. However, Wedbush believes the two companies have a "low probability" of being chosen by the Cupertino-based smartphone giant.
Apple has yet to issue an official statement regarding its reported hiring plans as well as the expected iPhone discounts in China this year.
