Key facts
- Apple is suing OpenAI for alleged theft of trade secrets.
- A former Apple engineer, Chang Liu, allegedly exploited a bug to access confidential files after leaving for OpenAI.
- The files allegedly downloaded included details on unreleased products and proprietary project data.
- Apple claims former VP Tang Yew Tan is directing a scheme to recruit employees and obtain trade secrets.
- OpenAI denies using stolen trade secrets.
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 recruiting efforts.
OpenAI has denied the allegations, stating it has no interest in other companies' trade secrets and is focused on developing innovative technology. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.