A Complaint Filled With Unusual Allegations
Apple’s trade secret lawsuit against OpenAI includes a series of detailed accusations that portray what the company describes as a coordinated effort to obtain confidential information from current and former Apple employees. The filing focuses not only on alleged theft of technical material, but also on what Apple claims was a broader pattern involving recruiting, internal communications and hardware development.
Apple Targets More Than Individual Employees
One of the central themes in the 41-page complaint is that Apple is not presenting the case as the work of isolated former employees. Instead, the company argues that the alleged conduct was “normalized and exemplified by leadership”, suggesting that Apple believes the behavior reflected deeper practices inside OpenAI.
OpenAI’s Hardware Plans Under Scrutiny
The dispute comes as OpenAI is believed to be developing consumer hardware that could compete with Apple products, possibly including a smartphone-like device. Apple argues that OpenAI’s emerging hardware business is based on misappropriated Apple information and describes that foundation as “rotten to its core”.
Apple Says More Evidence May Surface
The complaint also suggests that Apple expects to uncover more during discovery. The company describes the alleged examples in the filing as only “the tip of the iceberg”, indicating that documents, messages and internal communications could reveal additional misconduct once the legal process advances.
Message About Network Access Stands Out
Among the most striking allegations is a message Apple says was sent by Chang Liu, a former senior systems electrical engineer at Apple who later joined OpenAI. According to the complaint, Liu wrote: “LOL, I found out I can access the [network storage], so funny.” Apple claims the message was sent to Yu-Ting “Alyssa” Peng, an Apple employee who later joined OpenAI but is not named as a defendant.
Authentication Bug Allegedly Used
Apple alleges that Liu accessed company systems by exploiting an authentication bug and that he did so from Peng’s Apple-issued work computer. Peng allegedly replied, “I’m ready.” Apple presents the exchange as part of a broader effort to access confidential material improperly.
Another Apple Computer Mentioned
The complaint also alleges that Liu sent another message shortly after leaving Apple, saying, “I still have another computer.” Apple claims this referred to another Apple computer he intended to use to access confidential company information. The message was allegedly found on Peng’s Apple-issued work laptop.
Claims About Apple Parts in Interviews
Another major allegation involves OpenAI job candidates who were still working at Apple. Apple claims that Tang Yew Tan, OpenAI’s chief hardware officer and a longtime former Apple executive, directed candidates to bring “actual parts” from Apple to interviews for “show and tell” sessions.
Design Materials Allegedly Requested
Apple also says candidates were asked to bring CAD or design materials and prototypes. One candidate allegedly reacted by saying, “Didn’t even know we could take those from the office,” a line Apple uses to underscore how unusual it considered the request.
Tan’s Role Becomes Central
Tang Yew Tan spent 24 years at Apple and most recently served as vice president of product design for iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple’s complaint portrays him as a key figure in OpenAI’s hardware push and in the alleged effort to obtain sensitive Apple information through recruiting.
Alleged Advice on Avoiding Security Reviews
Apple further claims that OpenAI helped departing Apple employees avoid internal security procedures. The complaint refers to guidance around avoiding what it calls the “dreaded walkout”, a process in which Apple immediately removes an employee after notice is given rather than allowing that person to continue working for two more weeks.
Concerns About Exit Interviews
The filing also alleges that OpenAI advised employees leaving Apple to alert the company “asap” if Apple asked them to sign anything during an exit interview. Apple claims OpenAI also advised those employees not to sign, framing this as part of an attempt to avoid detection or restriction.
Hundreds of Apple Alumni at OpenAI
Apple’s complaint says that more than four hundred former Apple employees now work at OpenAI. The company uses this figure to argue that OpenAI had broad exposure to people with knowledge of Apple’s confidential and proprietary information, even though those employees remained obligated to keep that information confidential.
IO Products Also Named in the Case
The lawsuit also names io, the hardware company founded by former Apple employees including Jony Ive and later acquired by OpenAI in a 6.5 billion dollar deal. Apple alleges that io used Apple’s proprietary industrial design techniques, particularly in relation to metal finishing.
Metal Finishing Technique at Issue
According to the complaint, io misled an Apple partner into believing it had Apple’s permission to use a confidential metal-finishing process. Apple also alleges that OpenAI approached a supplier using confidential design and component information related to power and batteries.
Use of Internal Terminology Alleged
Apple claims OpenAI used internal Apple terminology when asking targeted supplier questions, suggesting that the questions reflected knowledge only Apple insiders would have. The company presents this as evidence that confidential Apple information influenced OpenAI’s hardware work.
Apple Says It Tried to Raise Concerns First
The complaint states that Apple contacted OpenAI in February to raise concerns before filing the lawsuit. Apple says OpenAI did not respond, leading the company to argue that it was “left with no choice” but to pursue the matter in court.
OpenAI Denies Interest in Trade Secrets
OpenAI has publicly rejected the premise of Apple’s accusations. In a statement shared on X, the company said: “We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets.” OpenAI added that it remains focused on building technology intended to empower people.
A High-Stakes Fight Over AI Hardware
The lawsuit places Apple and OpenAI in direct conflict at a time when artificial intelligence companies are increasingly looking beyond software and into devices. If Apple’s allegations are tested through discovery, the case could reveal more about OpenAI’s hardware ambitions, its recruiting practices and the flow of talent from Apple into the AI industry.
