Apple Sues OpenAI for Stealing Trade Secrets; Over 400 Former Apple Staff at OpenAI

According to Bloomberg, on July 10, Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in Northern California federal court, accusing the AI company and hardware chief Tang Tan of conspiring to steal unreleased product secrets. Apple claims OpenAI systematically encouraged its employees to provide information about unreleased products, components, designs, and technical specifications to support OpenAI's hardware division development.

Tang Tan, OpenAI's current hardware chief, previously served as Apple's vice president of product design, leading development of iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods hardware projects. In the lawsuit, Apple demands OpenAI immediately cease the conduct, destroy all proprietary materials, and redesign upcoming products to remove any Apple technology. Apple also points to former iPhone hardware engineer Chang Liu, accusing him of downloading dozens of confidential Apple files after joining OpenAI in January 2026. The lawsuit notes that over 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI. OpenAI stated it has "no interest in other companies' trade secrets" and remains focused on developing innovative technology.