Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade‑secret theft by ex‑employees

Sun Sep 06 2026 05:58:08 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Apple launches a federal lawsuit against OpenAI, former staffers and its design startup, claiming the AI firm stole confidential data to aid its hardware ambitions.

Apple accused OpenAI of stealing trade secrets via hiring former Apple engineers, including claims that ex‑employees sent internal Apple information to the AI firm. The lawsuit names two ex‑Apple employees, a senior engineer and a former design VP, as well as the design startup io Products that Apple owns. Apple argues that OpenAI’s efforts to enter the consumer hardware market are built on misappropriated data and seeks to halt the use of alleged secrets and damages. OpenAI denies wrongdoing, stating it is focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere. The case signals a significant shift in the partnership between Apple and OpenAI.

Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade‑secret theft by ex‑employees

Apple sued OpenAI, two former employees, and its design startup io Products in a federal court filing Friday, alleging the AI company stole confidential information.

According to the lawsuit, Apple claims that ex‑workers emailed internal documents to OpenAI and that the firm is using that data to launch a hardware line that challenges Apple’s own hardware business.

Apple names Chang Liu, a senior electrical engineer with eight years at the company, and Tang Yew Tan, a 24‑year‑old former vice president of design for iPhone and Apple Watch now serving as OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, as part of the claim. The design startup io Products—founded by former Apple executive Jony Ive and acquired by OpenAI last year—is also sued.

Apple alleges that the accused parties “acted in concert” to extract sensitive data, including trusted partner relationships, manufacturing techniques, and unreleased products, and that OpenAI is actively seeking more information from current Apple employees during hiring interviews.

OpenAI’s spokesman, Drew Pusateri, dismissed the allegations as unfounded and emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation.

Apple seeks an immediate injunction to prevent OpenAI from using any alleged confidential information and is asking the court for unspecified monetary damages. Apple says it has tried to discuss its concerns with OpenAI in February but was ignored.

The lawsuit comes amid Apple’s own efforts to integrate AI into its devices and its recent pivot away from OpenAI’s ChatGPT toward its own AI services. Apple CEO Tim Cook, who is stepping down later this year, had briefly included ChatGPT in Apple products before the shift. The legal action marks a dramatic change in the relationship between the two technology giants.