Apple Takes Legal Action Against OpenAI Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft
In a shocking twist to their previously high-profile partnership, Apple has initiated a federal lawsuit against OpenAI. The tech titan accuses OpenAI of a systematic campaign to pilfer its most confidential trade secrets. The lawsuit was filed on July 10, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
The allegations suggest that OpenAI, with full knowledge of its senior leadership, intentionally recruited Apple employees. These employees were allegedly instructed to hand over classified information about unreleased hardware products, technical specifications, and supply chain details.
Central to these allegations is Tang Tan, OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer and a former Apple employee of 24 years. Tan is accused of asking job candidates, still employed at Apple, to bring in actual hardware components such as batteries and logic boards for “show and tell” interviews. Apple also points a finger at former employee Chang Liu, accusing him of keeping an Apple-issued laptop after leaving the company and using it to download confidential technical documents.
Apple has stated that over 400 of its former employees are now employed at OpenAI. The company also revealed that it sent a letter to OpenAI in February expressing its concerns, but received no response. OpenAI has denied the allegations, stating, “We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets.”
The lawsuit also implicates io Products, a hardware vehicle co-founded by legendary Apple designer Jony Ive and operated by OpenAI. Apple is seeking injunctive relief, monetary damages, and the return of all confidential materials.
Source: TechCrunch – Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft