Apple has filed suit against OpenAI and two of its own former employees in federal court, accusing the AI company of orchestrating a systematic scheme to steal confidential hardware secrets to fuel its push into AI-powered wearables and devices. The complaint, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeks a jury trial and names OpenAI alongside former Apple staffers Tang Yew Tan and Chang Liu.
U.S. District Court · N.D. California
Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Theft of Hardware Secrets
Apple accuses OpenAI and two former Apple employees of a systematic scheme to misappropriate confidential design, supplier and engineering secrets to fuel a push into AI-powered wearables. OpenAI denies any wrongdoing; Apple seeks a jury trial.
3
Defendants: OpenAI + two former Apple staffers
~25 yrs
Tang Yew Tan's Apple tenure before leaving
dozens
Confidential hardware files allegedly downloaded
The Two Named Individuals
Tang Yew Tan
Now OpenAI Chief Hardware Officer
Worked on iPhone and Apple Watch product design. Allegedly emailed himself supplier information and internal summaries before departing.
Chang Liu
Former iPhone electrical engineer
Allegedly kept a company MacBook and exploited an authentication flaw to reach Apple's internal network and download confidential files.
Broader Allegations in the Complaint
Misappropriation of unreleased product info, supplier details, design data and technical specs
Directing job candidates to bring Apple CAD files, prototypes and components to interviews in a "show and tell"
Pressing a partner to apply a specific Apple metal-finishing technique, falsely suggesting Apple had approved its use
Conduct described as pervasive "at every level" — technical staff, executives and business partners
OpenAI's Response
The company says it has "no interest in other companies' trade secrets" and remains focused on "building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere."
What's at Stake
Unlikely to change the day-to-day iPhone experience, but could complicate OpenAI's hardware roadmap and its access to key suppliers and partners.
From Partners to Adversaries
2024 — Alliance
ChatGPT integrated into iOS; enhanced Siri, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence.
→
Rising Rivalry
Competition over AI hardware, talent and supply chains; OpenAI device push with Jony Ive.
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Lawsuit
Jury trial sought; litigation could stretch on and expose sensitive details.
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