Key facts
- Apple alleges OpenAI conspired with former employees to steal trade secrets.
- A former Apple engineer allegedly used a bug to access and download confidential Apple data for weeks.
- The lawsuit claims OpenAI is attempting to gain an unlawful shortcut in AI-powered device development.
- Apple seeks injunctions to prevent OpenAI from using the allegedly stolen confidential information.
- OpenAI denies relying on stolen trade secrets and states it is focused on developing innovative technology.
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging a coordinated effort to steal trade secrets. The tech giant claims that a former Apple engineer, Chang Liu, who joined OpenAI in January 2026, exploited a rare authentication bug to maintain access to confidential Apple servers for several weeks after his termination.
According to Apple's complaint, Liu surreptitiously accessed and downloaded dozens of confidential hardware-related files, including details about unreleased products, engineering presentations, technical specifications, and proprietary project data. Some of these files were explicitly labeled as confidential. Liu allegedly shared his findings and discussed his access with a current Apple employee, Yu-Ting “Alyssa” Peng, through messages that Apple described as mocking the company.
Apple further alleges that Tang Yew Tan, a former Apple VP of product design for iPhone who became OpenAI's chief hardware officer, is directing a scheme to recruit former Apple employees and obtain trade secrets. Tan is accused of using insider knowledge to elicit information during job interviews and creating a checklist to help departing employees evade security measures when stealing trade secrets. Apple claims Tan also asked employees to bring computer parts for "show and tell" sessions that could reveal proprietary technologies.
OpenAI has disputed Apple's claims, stating that the company has no interest in other companies' trade secrets and remains focused on developing innovative technology. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed respect for Apple but stated he is not afraid of the lawsuit. Apple is seeking several injunctions to block OpenAI from using the allegedly stolen information and believes this is the "tip of the iceberg" regarding a broader pattern of theft by former Apple employees at OpenAI.