Apple sues OpenAI alleging coordinated trade secret theft campaign
Apple filed a 41-page lawsuit against OpenAI on Friday, accusing the AI company of systematically stealing trade secrets to develop competing hardware devices. The iPhone maker alleges that former Apple employees now working at OpenAI engaged in a coordinated campaign involving over 400 defectors. Key claims include that OpenAI coached departing employees on how to evade Apple's security procedures, that hardware chief Tang Tan directed job candidates to bring actual Apple components to interviews, and that engineer Chang Liu stole an Apple laptop and accessed confidential files using an authentication bug. Apple says OpenAI also misled suppliers by claiming to have permission to use Apple's proprietary metal-finishing techniques. The lawsuit disrupts the once-celebrated 2024 partnership between the companies and threatens OpenAI's expected IPO. OpenAI denies the allegations, stating it has no interest in other companies' trade secrets.
Key facts
- Apple claims over 400 former employees switched from Apple to OpenAI
- Chang Liu, a former Apple senior engineer, allegedly stole a work laptop and accessed confidential files using an authentication bug
- OpenAI hardware chief Tang Tan allegedly directed job candidates to bring actual Apple components like batteries and logic boards to interviews
- Apple alleges OpenAI circulated an internal Apple document on how to avoid the 'dreaded walkout' security procedure
- OpenAI acquired startup io (founded by designer Jony Ive) for $6.4 billion, which is named as a defendant
- Apple first raised concerns with OpenAI in February 2026 but received no response
Limits of this briefing
Coverage is primarily from centrist and technology-focused outlets; limited partisan framing exists because this is largely a business and legal story. OpenAI has not yet filed a detailed response to specific claims. The lawsuit's merits remain unproven pending litigation.
Sources
- Fortune: These are the wildest claims in Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI Centre
- TechCrunch: The wildest allegations in Apple's trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI Centre
- CNBC: Apple sues OpenAI alleging trade secret theft, says scheme was 'at every level' Centre
- CNN: Apple accuses OpenAI of using stolen trade secrets to create its upcoming AI gadgets Centre
- Bloomberg: How Apple's Lawsuit Threatens to Disrupt OpenAI's Bid to Rival the iPhone Centre