Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft

Apple filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on July 10, 2026, accusing OpenAI of stealing Apple trade secrets through former employees — Chang Liu and Tang Tan — and seeking to halt the alleged misuse of confidential technology [1].

Allegations and filing details

Apple’s complaint alleges that Tang Tan used insider knowledge of unreleased Apple projects to interview candidates for OpenAI, even directing them to bring Apple hardware components for “show and tell” sessions. Chang Liu, who left Apple in January 2026 after eight years, is also accused of taking confidential information to OpenAI. The filing states Apple first raised concerns with OpenAI in February 2026, but received no response, describing the disclosed conduct as “the tip of the iceberg.” [2]

Context and competitive implications

OpenAI’s hardware push is being led by Jony Ive, Apple’s former chief design officer, who sold his startup io to OpenAI in a $6.5 bn deal last year. The acquisition brought over 50 engineers and developers, many of whom previously worked with Ive, who also co‑founded io with former Apple designers Scott Cannon and Evans Hankey. While those three are not named in Apple’s filing, their prior ties to Apple underscore the strategic overlap between the two companies. [2]

The lawsuit arrives as OpenAI expands beyond software into hardware, a move that could intensify competition with Apple’s own device ecosystem. If Apple’s claims prove valid, the case could force OpenAI to alter its recruitment practices and potentially limit access to Apple‑derived design insights, affecting OpenAI’s ability to integrate Apple‑style hardware expertise into its products.

What to watch

• Court filings: Follow any motions or responses from OpenAI in the Northern District of California.
• OpenAI’s hardware roadmap: Monitor announcements on new devices that might rely on the alleged Apple‑derived designs.
• Further legal actions: Watch for possible suits from other former Apple employees or counter‑claims from OpenAI.

The case highlights the growing friction as AI firms seek hardware talent from traditional tech giants, raising questions about how intellectual‑property protections will evolve in an increasingly cross‑industry talent market.