OpenAI Accuses Former Employee of Leaking Device Secrets to Apple

Key points

• OpenAI claims a former employee sent over 100 confidential files about unreleased devices to his personal accounts, which are linked to Apple.
• The employee worked for OpenAI for six months before returning to Apple, where he allegedly presented the information to senior executives.
• Apple denies the allegations, stating it found no evidence of the files on its systems and calling the filing a distraction.
• Judge Edward Davila has expedited the case, potentially leading to a trial in June or July 2026.
• OpenAI is seeking to dismiss Apple’s lawsuit and potentially pursue counterclaims based on the new findings.

Background

The dispute stems from Apple’s July 2026 lawsuit accusing OpenAI and two former Apple employees, including hardware chief Tang Tan, of stealing trade secrets. OpenAI had acquired Jony Ive’s hardware startup, io, for $6.4 billion in 2025. Previous coverage noted OpenAI’s frustration with Apple’s failed AI integration and Apple’s forensic findings regarding former engineer Chang Liu. The companies had previously partnered in 2024 but severed ties when Apple switched to Google’s Gemini models for Siri in January 2026.

How outlets are covering it

The Financial Times and Gizmodo report that OpenAI’s new filing alleges a former employee leaked device details to Apple, with Gizmodo noting the employee presented this information to Apple’s Asia operations VP. Apple’s response, cited by both outlets, denies the claims and asserts it has procedures to prevent such leaks. Yahoo Finance focuses on the procedural aspect, highlighting Judge Davila’s order for OpenAI to turn over hiring records and expedite depositions, including that of Tang Tan. While the FT and Gizmodo emphasize the counter-accusation, Yahoo Finance underscores the court’s push for rapid discovery.

Why it matters

This legal battle threatens to disrupt OpenAI’s entry into the consumer hardware market and could impact its potential public listing. The dispute highlights the intense competition between tech giants as they pivot toward AI-driven devices, with OpenAI’s acquisition of Jony Ive’s startup marking a significant strategic move. The outcome may set precedents for trade secret protections in the AI industry and influence future hiring practices between major tech firms.

What to watch

The case is expected to go to trial in June or July 2026. OpenAI may file counterclaims against Apple based on the alleged leak. Apple is seeking an injunction to prevent OpenAI from using its trade secrets, while OpenAI is pushing for dismissal of the lawsuit. The judge has expedited discovery, including depositions of key employees, to accelerate the timeline.