OpenAI hits back at Apple lawsuit, reveals emails

OpenAI's rebuttal seeks to reframe the narrative by presenting a timeline that contradicts Apple's accusations. The published emails and messages are meant to show that Apple's own actions—misdirected emails, unsubstantiated claims of conversations—undermine the basis for the lawsuit. OpenAI also suggests that Apple's legal move may be driven by a desire to create noise around competitive dynamics, rather than genuine concerns about trade secrets.

The dispute involves former Apple employees who joined OpenAI, including Chang Liu and Tang Tan. OpenAI's defense emphasizes that these individuals were cooperative and that Apple's system access issues are systemic, not malicious. The legal outcome could hinge on whether the court accepts OpenAI's evidence, including the iMessages showing Apple employees seeking help from Liu.

For Apple, this case poses a risk to its reputation for meticulousness, especially given the admission of errors. For OpenAI, the challenge is to convince the court that the lawsuit is baseless while continuing to attract top talent. The preliminary injunction decision, expected after the September 1, 2026 update, will be a critical test of both parties' arguments.