A major legal battle is unfolding in the tech world. Apple has filed a lawsuit in the Northern District of California against OpenAI, accusing the competitor of misappropriating trade secrets and breaching contracts. At the heart of the conflict is the question of whether OpenAI used Apple's confidential developments to create its own new AI-based device, which has not yet been unveiled to the public.
Former Apple Employees at the Center of the Scandal
The lawsuit is based on the actions of two former Apple engineers — Chan Liu and Tang Tan. After moving to OpenAI, they worked on the company's hardware division. According to Apple, before their resignation, these specialists gained access to a vast amount of internal materials: technical documentation, engineering presentations, and data on products that had not yet been released to the market.
The company also claims that Tang Tan used confidential information when recruiting new employees and passed details about Apple's suppliers to OpenAI. Furthermore, according to the plaintiff, other Apple employees were allegedly advised on how to resign properly in order to take valuable materials with them.
The Role of Jony Ive and io Products
The lawsuit also mentions io Products, a company founded by former Apple Chief Designer Jony Ive. Last year, OpenAI acquired it to develop its own hardware division. Ive himself is not a defendant in the case, but his company has become part of OpenAI's strategy to create its own devices.
OpenAI representative Drew Pustateri stated: "We are not interested in the trade secrets of other companies. We continue to focus on creating innovative technologies that empower people around the world".
Consequences for OpenAI and Apple
According to CNN, the legal dispute could jeopardize the launch of OpenAI's new AI device expected later this year, as well as complicate the company's preparations for an IPO. The conflict marks another stage in the intensifying competition between the two giants, despite the partnership announced in 2024 to integrate ChatGPT into Apple products.
OpenAI is actively poaching Apple engineers to develop its own hardware division. According to CNN, the company has already hired at least ten former Apple employees.
New Foldable iPhone from Apple
Amidst the legal conflict, Apple continues to prepare its own innovations. In recent months, more and more leaks suggest that the company is preparing its first foldable iPhone. According to insiders, the new device could be named iPhone Ultra and debut as early as autumn 2026.
The smartphone is expected to feature a 7.8-inch flexible display, an updated iOS 27 interface, a Touch ID scanner instead of Face ID, and a record-breaking battery for an iPhone. This will be an important step for Apple in the fight for leadership in the mobile device sector.
