Apple sues OpenAI for allegedly stealing hardware secrets via departing employees

Apple's lawsuit alleges a systematic effort by OpenAI to acquire Apple's hardware secrets as the AI company prepares to launch its first hardware device next year. The suit centers on the departure of three Apple employees and paints a detailed picture of how Apple claims OpenAI exploited their transitions: Liu allegedly retained an Apple computer and exploited an authentication vulnerability to access confidential cloud storage; Peng maintained contact with Liu and shared ongoing Apple project details; and Tan, already installed as OpenAI's chief hardware officer, allegedly solicited secret project information from job candidates and asked them to bring unreleased Apple components to interviews.

The lawsuit reveals tactics Apple alleges OpenAI used to facilitate this: coaching departing employees on how to avoid security procedures, advising them not to sign exit documents, and warning them about Apple's standard two-week lockout. Apple also claims OpenAI misrepresented its authority to Apple's suppliers, particularly regarding a proprietary metal-finishing technique and power-and-battery components. The lawsuit suggests these practices reflect an established pattern, with Apple noting "a recent trend of employees who are leaving Apple for OpenAI and taking steps to evade security measures." OpenAI has categorically denied the allegations, stating it has no interest in stealing trade secrets.