Apple has filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that the artificial intelligence giant engaged in a "systematic effort" to steal Apple's hardware secrets. The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, claims that OpenAI poached former Apple engineers and encouraged them to download confidential files, share proprietary design details, and reveal supply chain secrets to help jumpstart OpenAI's new consumer hardware business.
The legal complaint also names "io Products," a design startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, which OpenAI acquired last year for over $6 billion. Additionally, two former Apple employees are named as defendants: Tang Yew Tan, OpenAI's chief hardware officer and a former Apple vice president, and Chang Liu, a senior electrical engineer.
According to Apple, the theft of intellectual property was widespread and coordinated. Chang Liu is accused of using an authentication bug to access Apple's internal systems after his departure, downloading confidential hardware files, technical specifications, and unreleased product data. The suit also alleges he advised another former Apple colleague to copy secret files and communicate via encrypted messaging apps to avoid security detection.
Meanwhile, Tang Tan is accused of using confidential Apple supplier information to benefit OpenAI. Apple claims that during OpenAI job interviews, Tan and his team directed candidates still employed by Apple to bring actual physical components, CAD designs, and prototypes as "props" for "show and tell" sessions.
The lawsuit also alleges that OpenAI targeted Apple's partner network. In one instance, an Apple partner that specializes in industrial metal-finishing was allegedly misled into performing proprietary Apple manufacturing processes for OpenAI's benefit, believing OpenAI had Apple's permission.
This lawsuit marks a sharp turn in the relationship between the two tech giants. In 2024, Apple announced a major partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. However, tensions rose as OpenAI began hiring hundreds of Apple employees—now totaling more than 400—to build its own hardware. Recently, Apple shifted some of its new voice assistant features to run on Google’s Gemini model rather than relying solely on ChatGPT.
In response to the lawsuit, OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri stated, "We have no interest in other companies' trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere."
Apple, which claims it tried to raise these concerns with OpenAI in February but was ignored, is now seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court order to prevent OpenAI from possessing or using its trade secrets.