According to the report https://bloom.bg/2Hq4KxI, Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook made the disclosure to employees earlier this month in a meeting the day after he penned a letter to investors about the company's recent struggles, particularly in China and said some divisions would reduce hiring.

Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

(Reporting by Sonam Rai in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)