GoPro announced plans to lay off nearly 25% of its workforce in 2026, the second major round in two years. The move affects about 300 employees as the action-camera giant struggles with declining sales and rising competition from smartphones and rivals like DJI.
GoPro has confirmed a second wave of major layoffs, cutting approximately 25% of its workforce in 2026. The California-based company, known for its action cameras, is restructuring to reduce costs after a sustained drop in revenue and increased market competition.
Why is GoPro laying off employees again?
This is not the first time GoPro has resorted to mass layoffs. In 2024, the company conducted similar cuts, indicating a deeper structural crisis. The main reasons include:
- Declining demand: Sales of action cameras have slowed as the market saturates and competition from smartphones and emerging brands like DJI and Insta360 intensifies.
- Financial difficulties: GoPro has posted consecutive losses, with revenue falling 11% in the last quarter of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year.
- Changing consumer behavior: Users are shifting toward short-video platforms like TikTok, reducing demand for traditional action cameras.
How many employees are affected?
GoPro currently employs around 1,200 people. The new layoffs will affect approximately 300 employees, mostly in marketing, sales, and R&D departments. The company stated it will offer severance packages including two months’ salary and outplacement services.
Is this the end of GoPro?
Despite the challenges, GoPro still has a strong fan base, especially among extreme sports and adventure enthusiasts. However, the company needs to innovate new products or shift its business model toward subscriptions and digital services to survive.
What does this mean for GoPro fans in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf?
Saudi Arabia is an important market for GoPro, especially with growing interest in adventure tourism and outdoor sports under Vision 2030. Consumers may face:
- Delays in new product releases: New Hero cameras may be delayed or lack innovative features.
- Reduced technical support: Smaller support teams could slow issue resolution.
- Temporary price drops: GoPro may offer discounts to clear inventory, though this is uncertain.
Experts advise regional consumers to watch for deals and consider alternatives like the DJI Osmo Action or Insta360, which offer strong competition.
How does GoPro plan to recover?
The company is betting on:
- Subscription model: GoPro Subscription offers unlimited cloud storage and camera replacement for damaged units.
- Artificial intelligence: AI-powered automatic video editing features to attract casual users.
- Emerging markets: Focusing on India and the Middle East, where demand for action cameras is rising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will GoPro stop making cameras?
No, GoPro has not announced a halt in production. The layoffs aim to cut costs and restructure, but the company will continue developing cameras and services, focusing on subscriptions and AI.
When will the layoffs start at GoPro?
The layoffs will begin in 2026, during the first quarter, and are expected to be completed by mid-2026.
What are the best GoPro alternatives available in Saudi Arabia?
Top alternatives include the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro (around SAR 1,900), Insta360 X4 (around SAR 2,200), and SJCAM C300 (around SAR 800). These offer competitive specs like image stabilization and 4K resolution, and are available on Amazon Saudi Arabia and Noon.
Sources
- RideApart — GoPro Is About To Lay Off Almost A Quarter Of Its Employees, Company Says
