Key facts
- Sensitive lists of components and suppliers for Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models have been leaked.
- Photos of iPhone 18 Pro models undergoing drop tests were also exposed.
- The data was stolen from Tata Electronics, an Indian supplier to Apple, by the ransomware group World Leaks.
- Apple considers the leaked information sensitive and is concerned about its sharing on the dark web.
- The leak reveals details about chips on the main circuit board, battery parts, and cameras.
- The breach could impact Apple's relationships with its suppliers and reveal vulnerabilities to rivals and counterfeiters.
Sensitive lists of components and suppliers, along with photos of Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, have been exposed on the dark web following a data breach at Tata Electronics, Apple's Indian supplier. The ransomware group World Leaks is reportedly behind the theft.
The leaked files detail numerous parts for the iPhone 18 Pro, including chips on the main circuit board, battery components, and cameras, mapping them to specific suppliers. This information is considered highly sensitive by Apple, as it relates to unreleased models and is not publicly disclosed. The exposure could disrupt Apple's carefully managed supply chain, potentially impacting its relationships with vendors and providing rivals and counterfeiters with valuable insights.
Tata Electronics, a key manufacturing partner for Apple outside China, is crucial to India's ambition to become an electronics manufacturing hub. The breach cuts at the trust underpinning the partnership between Apple and Tata. Reuters has not independently verified the authenticity of the leaked data or the claims made by World Leaks.
Apple is reportedly investigating the matter with Tata, which has restricted internal access to sensitive systems and hired a global consultant for a forensic audit. The leak comes at a challenging time for Apple, which recently increased prices for iPads and MacBooks due to rising component costs and is expected to raise iPhone prices.