OpenAI accuses ex-employee of taking 100+ device files to Apple
OpenAI says the former employee moved confidential files about an unreleased device onto personal accounts and later showed product plans to senior Apple executives.
OpenAI has filed a federal court filing accusing a former employee of transferring more than 100 confidential files about an unreleased device to personal accounts, according to gizmodo.com. OpenAI alleges the employee later presented information about the product to senior Apple executives.
According to the filing, some of the files were moved on June 2, the employee's final day at OpenAI. OpenAI claims the material included detailed images of at least one unreleased device, engineering data, manufacturing details and supplier information.
OpenAI also alleges the former employee presented its product plans to Apple's vice president of operations in Asia, among other senior executives. OpenAI said it will ask the court at a hearing on Wednesday for a chance to investigate further and potentially pursue counterclaims against Apple.
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Edward Davila ruled that Apple could obtain documents related to OpenAI's interviews with former Apple employees who applied to its consumer hardware and robotics divisions. The judge approved expedited depositions of three former Apple employees, including OpenAI chief hardware officer Tang Tan.
Apple said it has procedures to prevent new employees from using previous employers' confidential information and found no evidence supporting OpenAI's allegations.
In July, Apple sued OpenAI and two former Apple employees, accusing them of stealing trade secrets related to its manufacturing processes and products still in development. In 2024, Apple and OpenAI struck a partnership to integrate ChatGPT into Apple devices, and OpenAI acquired io, founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, for $6.5 billion last year. Earlier in 2026, Apple announced it was revamping Siri with Google's Gemini models and severed ties with OpenAI.
Quick answers
What does OpenAI accuse the former employee of taking?
OpenAI says more than 100 confidential files about an unreleased device were transferred to personal accounts, including detailed images of at least one unreleased device, engineering data, manufacturing details and supplier information.
What did the judge rule on Tuesday?
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila ruled that Apple could obtain documents related to OpenAI's interviews with former Apple employees who applied to its consumer hardware and robotics divisions, and approved expedited depositions of three former Apple employees, including OpenAI chief hardware officer Tang Tan.
What is Apple's response?
Apple said it has procedures to prevent new employees from using previous employers' confidential information and found no evidence supporting OpenAI's allegations.