What evidence does Apple claim OpenAI destroyed?

Apple alleges OpenAI only just handed over a MacBook used by a former employee, which contained discussions about destroying forensic data. Apple claims important forensic artifacts like logs, metadata, and usage records are at risk of being lost or overwritten.

Chang Liu is a former Apple employee who allegedly kept a company-owned MacBook after leaving Apple and joined OpenAI. Apple claims the MacBook showed he downloaded a confidential Apple circuit schematic and used it in his work at OpenAI.

How does OpenAI respond to Apple's accusations?

OpenAI argues the dispute is "a mess of Apple's own making" and that there is no evidence Liu accessed any Apple information through improper means. OpenAI also claims Liu has no use for Apple confidential information.

AI Regulation & PolicyAI Business & IndustryThe Verge AISep 1, 2026Sep 2, 2026, 04:00 JST

Apple accuses OpenAI of destroying evidence

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3 Key Points

What happened
Apple is pushing for expedited discovery in its legal battle against OpenAI, alleging the company is actively destroying evidence. In a filing on Monday, Apple says OpenAI only just handed over a MacBook used by a former employee at the center of the lawsuit, which contained discussions about destroying forensic data.
Why it matters
The lawsuit accuses OpenAI of stealing trade secrets to build an AI device, revolving around three former Apple employees who joined OpenAI. Apple claims an inspection of the MacBook found that one employee, Chang Liu, downloaded a confidential Apple circuit schematic and used it in his work at OpenAI.
What to watch
OpenAI argues the dispute is "a mess of Apple's own making" and maintains there is no evidence Liu accessed Apple information improperly. Apple's inspection also uncovered messages where Liu allegedly discussed restoring and using Apple-owned devices after learning of an internal investigation in June.

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Context & Analysis

This legal battle began in July when Apple filed suit against OpenAI, accusing the ChatGPT-maker of stealing trade secrets to build an AI device. The case centers on three former Apple employees who recently joined OpenAI, including Chang Liu, who allegedly kept a company-owned MacBook after leaving Apple.

Apple's latest filing claims OpenAI had the MacBook in its possession since the start of the lawsuit but failed to inspect it. Once OpenAI provided the laptop on August 21st, Apple's inspection allegedly found evidence that Liu downloaded a confidential Apple circuit schematic and used it in his work at OpenAI. Apple also claims messages show Liu discussed restoring and using Apple-owned devices after learning about the company's internal investigation in June.

The discovery dispute reflects the high stakes of the lawsuit. Apple argues that important forensic artifacts are transient and at risk of being lost, overwritten, or destroyed. OpenAI counters that the dispute is "a mess of Apple's own making" and maintains there is no evidence Liu accessed any Apple information improperly.

FAQ

What evidence does Apple claim OpenAI destroyed?: Apple alleges OpenAI only just handed over a MacBook used by a former employee, which contained discussions about destroying forensic data. Apple claims important forensic artifacts like logs, metadata, and usage records are at risk of being lost or overwritten.
Who is Chang Liu?: Chang Liu is a former Apple employee who allegedly kept a company-owned MacBook after leaving Apple and joined OpenAI. Apple claims the MacBook showed he downloaded a confidential Apple circuit schematic and used it in his work at OpenAI.
How does OpenAI respond to Apple's accusations?: OpenAI argues the dispute is "a mess of Apple's own making" and that there is no evidence Liu accessed any Apple information through improper means. OpenAI also claims Liu has no use for Apple confidential information.

The Verge AIRead Original Article

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Also reported by Japan Times Tech

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