US semiconductor giant Qualcomm is reportedly considering cutting between 600 and 1,200 jobs in India as part of a broader global workforce restructuring. The potential layoffs could affect approximately 3% to 6% of its estimated 20,000-employee workforce in the country. The development comes as the company reassesses employee performance, adjusts its organisational structure and responds to changing market conditions.
Job Cuts Expected to Begin in November
According to industry estimates cited in reports, the number of jobs potentially affected in India varies. Research firm EIIRTrend reportedly expects the cuts to exceed 1,000, while UnearthInsight estimates a smaller impact, affecting fewer than 3% of Qualcomm’s Indian workforce.
Qualcomm has not officially confirmed the number of positions that could be eliminated in India. The company also did not respond to queries about the reported estimates.
The India-specific developments follow a global restructuring announcement by CEO Cristiano Amon. In an internal memo, Amon said employee notifications would begin in November following the company’s annual performance reviews. The memo did not disclose the total number of jobs that would be affected worldwide.
Performance Reviews at the Centre of Restructuring
Qualcomm has described the planned reductions as a performance-focused exercise intended to build a stronger performance culture. Management is expected to consider business priorities, organisational requirements, employee skills and expertise when determining which roles may be affected.
The company has also indicated that its requirements have evolved as its business has expanded. This suggests the restructuring is linked not only to individual performance but also to the skills and roles needed for its future operations.
Smartphone Market Faces Growing Pressure
Qualcomm, one of the world’s largest suppliers of smartphone processors, is navigating a challenging consumer electronics market. Rising memory chip prices are increasing device costs and putting pressure on demand in key markets.
The company has also warned that revenue from Apple-related products could decline faster than previously expected. These challenges have added pressure to its traditional handset business.
AI Data Centres and Automotive Chips Offer New Opportunities
Alongside the restructuring, Qualcomm is expanding beyond smartphones into markets such as AI data centres, automotive technology and the Internet of Things.
The company expects businesses outside smartphones to account for the majority of its chip sales by fiscal 2027. Growth in these areas could help offset pressure on its established mobile business and reshape its future workforce requirements.
For employees in India, however, the immediate concern remains the uncertainty surrounding potential job losses. Until Qualcomm releases an official figure, the reported range of 600 to 1,200 positions should be treated as an industry estimate rather than a confirmed layoff count.
Summary
Qualcomm may cut 600 to 1,200 jobs in India as part of a global restructuring, according to industry estimates. The potential reductions could affect 3% to 6% of its approximately 20,000 Indian employees. Global notifications are expected to begin in November after annual performance reviews. The company is facing pressure in the smartphone market while expanding into AI data centres, automotive chips and other non-handset businesses.
