wow, Apple just sued OpenAI, alleging stolen hardware secrets now underpin its $6.5B device push.
The complaint names former Apple employees Tang Yew Tan and Chang Liu as central actors.
Apple alleges Liu kept an Apple laptop and retained access after leaving for OpenAI.
An authentication bug supposedly let that laptop enter Apple’s internal network despite his departure.
Apple says he then downloaded files about unreleased hardware, specifications, and engineering projects.
For Tan, Apple alleges he emailed himself supplier details and internal industry summaries before leaving.
Apple also says Tan encouraged candidates to bring physical Apple parts into OpenAI interviews.
Those sessions allegedly let OpenAI inspect components directly, while supplier contacts exposed hidden manufacturing methods.
Apple’s claim is that files, parts, and supplier knowledge jointly accelerated OpenAI’s hardware work.
--- Apple alleges OpenAI asked an Apple supplier to apply a secret metal-finishing method.
The supplier reportedly believed Apple had approved this use, so it performed the process.
That could save OpenAI months of testing because the supplier already knew the proven recipe.
OpenAI accelerated its hardware program after acquiring Jony Ive’s io Products for $6.5 B.
More than 400 former Apple employees now work there, although employment alone proves nothing.
OpenAI however, denies seeking competitors’ trade secrets, while Apple demands destruction and product redesigns.
--- Now, Apple must prove OpenAI used protected information, rather than general experience carried by departing workers.
Detailed allegations create serious discovery risk, even before a judge tests their accuracy.
The case could delay OpenAI’s hardware schedule and permanently fracture a strategically useful partnership.
--- To note, Apple and OpenAI already have a broad partnership across eligible iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Vision Pro devices. Apple Intelligence can send selected requests from Siri, Writing Tools, Visual Intelligence, Image Playground, and Shortcuts to ChatGPT.
---
edition. cnn .com/2026/07/10/tech/apple-openai-devices-lawsuit