Apple Sues OpenAI: Allegation of Trade Secrets Theft

Background of the Lawsuit

The background to the dispute is the cooperation between the two companies that has existed since 2024 on integrating ChatGPT into Apple's operating systems. Apple customers can forward general queries that the in-house voice assistant Siri cannot answer to ChatGPT. At the same time, the two are increasingly competing in the area of artificial intelligence and AI hardware, as the Apple filing shows. The lawsuit intensifies the conflict that has been simmering for months between the two companies.

At the center of the allegations is Tang Tan, who worked at Apple for more than 20 years and was responsible for the design of the iPhone and the Apple Watch computer watch before his departure. He also worked on the development of the iPod. After his move, he serves as Chief Hardware Officer at OpenAI. In this role, he plays a central role in the work on a new device that OpenAI intends to orient toward the use of artificial intelligence.

Apple accuses Tan of having secured internal documents and information about suppliers before his departure. In addition, he allegedly asked Apple employees to bring company components to job interviews for positions at OpenAI, including batteries and casings in various colors. Apple concluded through investigations that Tan allegedly misused confidential information of the iPhone company for the benefit of OpenAI. Apple views this as part of a "strategy" by OpenAI to obtain the company's confidential information.

Allegations Against Tang Tan

The second accused individual, Chang Liu, also had access to sensitive areas according to Apple's account. Apple claims to have entrusted him with some of its most sensitive product development projects. Apple further alleges that OpenAI deliberately attempted to obtain confidential information about Apple suppliers. Former Apple employees are said to have provided confidential data on Apple designs, manufacturing processes, and supply chains to their new employer OpenAI.

Another allegation concerns the handling of a company computer. The other sued former Apple employee is said to have accessed confidential data of his former employer via a computer he took with him, even after he was already employed at OpenAI. The two former employees are alleged to have, among other things, downloaded internal files and stolen supplier data.

OpenAI's Response

Apple accuses the competitor of having stolen company secrets and speaks in the complaint of a coordinated pattern of institutional misconduct. It is "rotten to the core," because OpenAI relied on illegally obtained trade secrets, Apple criticized in the complaint. The company justifies the step by saying it wants to stop the behavior.

In a written statement to Bloomberg, OpenAI rejected the allegations. It has no interest in the secrets of other companies. The company remains focused on developing innovative technology. OpenAI initially did not respond to a request from Reuters. Statements from OpenAI and the accused were not initially available. In an English-language excerpt from the complaint, it reads: "At every level, from members of its Technical Staff to its Chief Hardware Officer, and in coordination with business partners, OpenAI has been stealing Apple's trade secrets and confidential information."

OpenAI is developing a new product — also with former Apple employees on the team. Media report that OpenAI considered filing a lawsuit against Apple some months ago — alleging breach of contract because the partnership had not developed as well as the AI company had expected. Apple and OpenAI have been partners for several years in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) on iPhones and other devices of the company.

Employee Exchanges Between the Companies

According to Apple, more than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI. Apple sees this as evidence of an aggressive recruitment strategy. As part of its investigations, Apple accuses OpenAI of having taken unlawful shortcuts to bring the AI device to market more quickly, because the project had proven more difficult than expected.

Connection to io Products and Jony Ive

In addition to OpenAI and the two named employees, the lawsuit is also directed against the company io Products in order to prevent further use of Apple's trade secrets by this firm. OpenAI had acquired io Products in 2025 for approximately 6.5 billion US dollars. A co-founder of io Products is Jony Ive, who had significantly shaped the design of iPhones and MacBook laptops during his time at Apple. Ive is not mentioned in the complaint.

The new OpenAI device that Tang Tan is working on could become a competitor to Apple. The device is said to be specifically designed for use with artificial intelligence. Apple also justifies the lawsuit with the protection of its own development roadmap. The lawsuit is expected, according to observers, to significantly complicate OpenAI's plans for a possible initial public offering.

Significance for AI Hardware Plans

From Apple's circle, it was said that the company had decided on this step after months of internal investigations. Apple stated that the lawsuit had become necessary in order to stop the behavior and limit the damage to the company itself. In a lawsuit filed before a court in the US state of California, Apple speaks of a coordinated pattern of institutional misconduct.

The lawsuit intensifies the conflict that has been simmering for months between the two companies. Apple accuses the defendants of having stolen confidential information on product designs, manufacturing processes, and supply chain strategies in order to accelerate OpenAI's entry into the AI hardware business. Apple and OpenAI are cooperating on the integration of ChatGPT into iPhones.

This news was broadcast on July 10, 2026 on the program Deutschlandfunk. The responsible chamber at the federal court in San José is now handling the case. Apple has brought a lawsuit in the United States against OpenAI as well as two former Apple managers.