OpenAI Accuses Ex-Employee of Leaking Device Secrets to Apple in Trade Secret Dispute

Key points

• OpenAI alleges a former employee transferred over 100 confidential files, including detailed images and engineering data of an unreleased device, to personal accounts before returning to Apple.
• The employee is accused of presenting OpenAI’s product plans to Apple’s senior leadership, including the vice president of operations in Asia, months ago.
• Apple denies the allegations, stating it has found no evidence to support OpenAI’s claims and has policies in place to ensure new employees do not use confidential information from previous employers.
• The dispute is part of a broader legal battle that began in July 2026 when Apple sued OpenAI, alleging that OpenAI employees stole trade secrets to develop AI hardware.
• Judge Edward Davila has partially granted Apple’s request for expedited discovery, requiring OpenAI to hand over forensic evidence and materials used when interviewing former Apple employees.

Background

The legal dispute between Apple and OpenAI began in July 2026 when Apple sued OpenAI, alleging that OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan stole trade secrets from Apple to develop new AI hardware. OpenAI denied the claims, calling the lawsuit 'careless, aggressive and oddly personal.' The companies had previously partnered in 2024 to integrate ChatGPT into Apple devices, but relations soured as OpenAI moved into consumer hardware, including the acquisition of Jony Ive’s hardware startup, io, for $6.5 billion last year. Apple recently announced HomeView, its biggest push into the smart home market in nearly a decade, as part of its AI strategy.

How outlets are covering it

MacRumors and CNN report that OpenAI is accusing a former employee of leaking trade secrets to Apple, with CNN noting that Apple has strict policies to prevent the use of confidential information from previous employers. Gizmodo emphasizes that OpenAI is turning the tables on Apple in the legal fight, highlighting the mutual accusations of trade secret theft. All sources agree that Apple denies the allegations, but MacRumors and CNN note that Apple has not provided OpenAI with assurances that it is not in possession of OpenAI’s trade secrets. Gizmodo points out that the dispute marks a major shift in the relationship between the two companies, which began to sour as OpenAI started to make moves into consumer hardware.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the intense competition between Apple and OpenAI in the AI hardware market. The outcome of the trade secret case could have significant implications for both companies' product development and market strategies. A preliminary injunction prohibiting OpenAI from using Apple’s allegedly stolen trade secrets could mark a potential setback for OpenAI's hardware development efforts, as noted by Bloomberg. The case also underscores the importance of protecting trade secrets in the tech industry, especially as companies race to develop AI-enabled devices.

What to watch

OpenAI has asked the court for permission to investigate and pursue counterclaims if necessary. Judge Edward Davila is 'highly likely' to grant a preliminary injunction prohibiting OpenAI from using Apple’s allegedly stolen trade secrets. OpenAI has up to two weeks to hand over forensic evidence and materials used when interviewing former Apple employees. Liu, Tan, and Alyssa Peng will need to sit for depositions after Apple gets the requested information. The case is expected to go to trial by mid-2026.