AI-driven layoffs accelerate; 2026 total surpasses 2025

Global tech layoffs exceed 175k in 2026, projected 290k. New: Meta begins 8k layoffs, DeepMind may cut 1/3, Oracle double-digit cuts. 43% of managers let AI finalize layoff decisions; gender and age bias lawsuits mount. 75% of AI layoffs backfire. Bay Area dethroned as top tech talent market by NYC (CBRE), but SF still leads in AI cluster. September wave includes Pinterest, Samsung, eBay, Emerson, Gerresheimer. Counter-narrative gains traction. Apple cuts 200+ jobs in Siri, Vision Pro, gaming—confirming strategic pivot under Ternus.