Apple allegedly used trade secrets for products it has not yet introduced sued OpenAI. The company claims that former Apple employees moved confidential hardware files to OpenAI and asked for physical product parts in hiring interviews. OpenAI spokesman Drew Pusateri stated that they are not interested in the trade secrets of other companies. However, the case was taken to court while the parties’ partnership for ChatGPT and Apple Intelligence continued.
Apple filed the lawsuit On July 10, 2026 Filed in the U.S. Federal District Court for the Northern District of California. Additionally, the company named OpenAI and former Apple employees Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan as defendants. According to Apple’s claim, Chang Liu did not return the company’s laptop after switching to OpenAI in January 2026. Liu then used an authentication vulnerability to access Apple’s internal network and download confidential files.
Apple argues that the documents Liu accessed included engineering presentations and technical specifications for unpublished products. In addition, the case file alleges that Liu downloaded dozens of hardware documents related to special projects. The company claims that this information can be used in consumer electronics products developed by OpenAI. However, the court has not yet issued any ruling on the claims submitted by Apple.
Apple is also leveling separate allegations against OpenAI’s hardware chief Tang Yew Tan. According to the company, Tan asked Apple employees attending job interviews at OpenAI to bring physical product parts. Moreover, Apple argues that Tan sent it information about suppliers and internal industry analysis. The case file also states that Tan previously worked in iPhone and Apple Watch product design.
OpenAI responded to Apple’s accusations with a short statement
OpenAI spokesman Drew Pusateri said the company has no interest in confidential information belonging to other companies. Pusateri conveyed OpenAI’s response to the accusations, saying, “We are not interested in the trade secrets of other companies.” He then stated that the company continues to focus on innovative technologies that empower people around the world. However, OpenAI did not respond individually to each of Apple’s allegations about former employees and confidential files.
Apple and OpenAI to use ChatGPT with Siri and Apple Intelligence It started a collaboration that brings together its features. On the other hand, OpenAI has turned to product development in consumer electronics with former Apple design chief Jony Ive. OpenAI is working with io Products, founded by Jony Ive, for these studies. Apple also added io Products among the defendants in the lawsuit petition.
Apple did not personally name Jony Ive as a defendant and did not direct any accusations against him. However, the company claims that OpenAI and io Products accessed confidential information through former Apple employees. The lawsuit seeks a court order that would prevent OpenAI from using Apple’s trade secrets in its development. Apple is also asking the court for compensation for the damages it claims to have suffered.
OpenAI’s first product in consumer electronics In 2026 News that it may be introduced has been published before. Meanwhile, the lawsuit file does not provide new details about the technical specifications or launch date of the product in question. While Apple and OpenAI’s ChatGPT partnership continues, the companies will conduct their legal processes regarding the case through the court. The court will decide on Apple’s trade secret claims and the measures it requests in the following stages.