Apple has filed a federal lawsuit accusing OpenAI of systematically stealing its trade secrets and hiring more than 400 of its former employees to accelerate the development of consumer hardware, escalating a rivalry between two of technology's most prominent companies.
July 10, 2026 · Northern District of California
Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Theft of Hardware Trade Secrets
Apple accuses OpenAI of systematically misappropriating confidential technical information and recruiting more than 400 former staff to accelerate its push into consumer devices — a sharp turn from a partnership that began in 2024.
400+
Former Apple employees now at OpenAI
$6.5B
OpenAI's 2025 acquisition of io Products (Jony Ive)
2
Named ex-Apple engineers in the complaint
From Partner to Rival — Timeline
2024
ChatGPT integrated into Apple Intelligence — the two companies partner.
2025
OpenAI buys io Products for $6.5B, signaling a hardware ambition that threatens the iPhone franchise.
Feb 2026
Apple raises concerns in writing to OpenAI — says it received no response.
Jul 2026
Apple files federal trade-secret lawsuit against OpenAI and two ex-employees.
What Apple Alleges
Job candidates asked to bring confidential info, prototypes and components for "show and tell" interview sessions.
A former engineer exploited an authentication bug to download dozens of confidential hardware files.
A former product-design VP emailed supplier information to himself while still employed.
OpenAI allegedly drew on secret techniques through shared suppliers.
The Stakes
Even unproven, the litigation could delay OpenAI's first hardware launch and complicate its confidential plans for a public offering.
OpenAI's Response
Rejects the accusations — says it has no interest in other companies' trade secrets and is focused on building technology to empower people worldwide.
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