Apple Accuses OpenAI of Trade Secret Theft and Covert Hardware Interviews

Apple filed a 41-page lawsuit accusing OpenAI and three former Apple employees of stealing confidential documents, spying on prototypes, and coaching departures to bypass security as OpenAI pursues its own hardware. The filing details allegations that Apple‑employee Chang Liu kept an Apple computer and downloaded dozens of confidential files, and that Yu‑Ting Peng helped relay this information to Liu after joining OpenAI. It also alleges that OpenAI's hardware chief Tang Tan asked interviewees to bring Apple parts for “show and tell,” probed candidates about secret projects, coached departing Apple workers on security, and used Apple’s metal‑finishing techniques with a trusted partner, among other actions against suppliers. OpenAI has denied the accusations.