Apple and OpenAI are locked in a fierce legal battle that just took a wild turn. Apple accuses OpenAI of stealing trade secrets through former Apple engineers. But OpenAI isn’t holding back. They’ve blasted Apple’s case, revealing flaws in Apple’s own security practices that could blow the lawsuit wide open.
The Lawsuit Sparks a Security Showdown
Back in July, Apple filed a lawsuit claiming OpenAI schemed to grab confidential hardware information. The complaint names former Apple employees like Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan as central figures. Apple’s investigation uncovered that at least 11 other former employees might have witnessed or joined the alleged theft. That’s a huge number of insiders involved.
Apple even pushed the court to speed up discovery, signaling they want to dig fast and deep. They allege former employees shared Apple’s secrets before interviewing at OpenAI. Some reportedly took screenshots of confidential documents tied to unannounced products. Apple also says employees who moved to OpenAI reached out to return Apple-issued devices after the suit started—raising suspicions about what data they might have taken.
OpenAI’s Counterattack: Apple’s Own Security Gaps Exposed
OpenAI’s motion to dismiss hit Apple hard. They argue Apple’s own security practices wreck the claim that the stolen info counts as protected trade secrets. According to OpenAI, Apple let employees use personal iCloud accounts for work. Even worse, Apple failed to cut off access after employees left. That’s a huge oversight for a company famous for secrecy.
OpenAI backed their case with text message records showing an Apple manager still logged into Chang Liu’s personal iCloud after Liu left Apple. The manager transferred files and later asked Liu for help on Apple projects. OpenAI says this reveals Apple didn’t lock down its systems properly, meaning the data wasn’t as secure as Apple claims.
OpenAI also points out Apple never detailed which specific trade secrets were stolen. Instead, Apple’s complaint uses broad, vague terms about general product development. OpenAI calls this a classic dodge—no proof, just generic claims.
OpenAI Says They’re Building Something Completely New
OpenAI insists it has “no use, need or desire for Apple’s trade secrets.” They say they’re building fresh AI hardware, nothing like Apple’s products. OpenAI accuses Apple of using the lawsuit to slow down OpenAI’s progress, not to protect real secrets.
OpenAI even suggests Apple’s lawsuit is a distraction from its own problems—losing talent and lagging in integrating AI into its products. They say Apple is trying to cover up these issues by targeting OpenAI with a “baseless and pretextual lawsuit.”
OpenAI also disputes Apple’s claim that it tried to contact OpenAI in February. They say Apple confused surnames and emailed the wrong person. That adds more fuel to the fire that Apple’s case is shaky.
Regarding Tang Yew Tan, OpenAI stresses he was clear about never wanting to use confidential information from other firms. Tan spent 24 years at Apple as vice president of product design. That long tenure makes it hard to believe he’d suddenly turn traitor.
What’s Next in This High-Stakes Battle?
Apple wants a preliminary injunction to stop OpenAI from developing products based on Apple’s technology. OpenAI calls that request “based on false information and completely unnecessary.” They’ve published chat logs and emails to defend themselves and claim Apple got it all wrong.
This case is heating up fast. Eleven former employees beyond Liu and Tan could play key roles. Apple is digging deep into recruitment and supplier ties. But OpenAI is pushing back hard, exposing Apple’s internal security cracks and calling out vague accusations.
Who will win? The courtroom showdown promises to reshape how trade secrets and AI innovation collide. One thing’s clear: AI hardware development just got a whole lot messier—and way more exciting.
Based on
- OpenAI says Apple’s own security practices undermine its trade secrets case — techcrunch.com
- OpenAI accuses Apple of using a lawsuit to hide its AI failures | The Independent — independent.co.uk
- Apple says more ex-employees may have taken confidential data to OpenAI | TechCrunch — techcrunch.com
- OpenAI Says Apple ‘Is Getting This Wrong’ After Trade Secret Lawsuit — engadget.com
