The wave of software and tech layoffs in the United States shows no signs of slowing in April 2026. While major announcements like Oracle’s large-scale cuts dominated headlines earlier, this week brought new reductions at software companies, adding to an already challenging job market for tech professionals.

According to multiple reports, US-based tech employers have announced over 52,000 job cuts in the first three months of 2026 alone — a 40% increase compared to the same period last year. Nearly half of these positions (around 48%) are linked to AI adoption and workflow automation.

Key Layoffs Announced This Week in Software & Tech

• Pendo (April 7, 2026): The Raleigh, North Carolina-based software unicorn (valued at over $1 billion) laid off approximately 90 employees, representing about 10% of its 850-person workforce. Pendo, which provides a product experience platform with application analytics, cited restructuring and operational changes to accelerate its investment in AI. This marks the company’s second round of cuts, following a 12% reduction in 2023.
• GoPro (April 7-8, 2026): The action camera maker announced it would cut 145 jobs, or roughly 23% of its global workforce of 631 employees. The layoffs, expected to be largely completed by the end of 2026, are part of a broader restructuring to reduce operating costs. GoPro previously cut about 15% of staff in 2024.

These announcements come on the heels of Oracle’s massive reduction (estimated at 10,000–30,000 jobs globally, with significant impact in the US), which continued to affect workers into early April. Other recent software-related cuts include smaller adjustments at companies like Bolt and ongoing efficiency drives at enterprise software firms.

Why Software Layoffs Are Rising in 2026

The primary driver behind this week’s and year-to-date software industry layoffs is the aggressive shift toward artificial intelligence. Companies are reallocating budgets from traditional roles to AI infrastructure, data centers, and automation tools that can handle coding, analytics, customer support, and product development tasks.

• Q1 2026 Stats: Approximately 78,557 tech jobs were cut globally from January to early April, with over 76% in the US. AI accounted for nearly 48% of these reductions.
• Tech giants and mid-sized software firms alike are streamlining operations while pouring billions into AI. Examples include Meta’s continued Reality Labs adjustments, Amazon’s corporate workforce reductions, and enterprise players like Atlassian and Salesforce making targeted cuts earlier in the year.

Industry analysts note that while overall tech employment remains under pressure, some companies are still hiring selectively in AI, machine learning, and cloud infrastructure roles — though competition is fierce and job searches for laid-off workers are reportedly taking longer.

Impact on US Tech Workers

For software engineers, product managers, and support staff in the USA, the current environment is tough. California filings show hundreds of layoffs at Oracle, Meta, and Qualcomm in recent weeks, concentrated in the Bay Area and Southern California. Similar impacts are being felt in tech hubs like Raleigh, Austin, Seattle, and New York.

Goldman Sachs and other firms have warned that displaced tech workers may face extended job hunts due to the AI-driven restructuring. At the same time, projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest long-term demand for software developers could still grow, provided workers upskill in AI-related areas.

What’s Next for Tech Layoffs in the USA?

With 2026 already on pace to rival previous high-layoff years, more announcements are expected in the coming weeks. Companies continue to prioritize efficiency and AI investment, even as many report strong revenues and earnings.

At ClickUSANews, we’ll keep tracking the latest developments in US software layoffs, tech job market trends, and AI’s impact on employment.

Have you or someone you know been affected by recent tech layoffs? Share your experience or thoughts in the comments below. What skills do you think will be most in-demand as AI reshapes the software industry