BREAKING: Apple says new evidence shows an OpenAI employee used Apple’s confidential circuit design while teaching an AI agent to run simulations.
• Apple found the evidence on a MacBook retained by Chang Liu, a former Apple engineer who joined OpenAI.
• Apple says Liu downloaded its confidential power-converter design after leaving and later used it in a circuit simulation.
• Messages from the same time said his AI agent had learned to run the simulation, examine results and adjust parameters.
• Liu allegedly made 240+ downloads involving at least 37 Apple files after leaving the company.
• After Apple began investigating, Liu allegedly advised an OpenAI colleague to restore devices and use them more. Apple’s expert said this could erase forensic evidence.
• The Mac mini used for the simulation remains unexamined. Apple is now seeking expedited discovery and access to relevant OpenAI and io devices.
OpenAI called the case “baseless.” This new evidence could seriously damage that defense.