Apple has sued OpenAI, alleging the company misappropriated confidential hardware technology and recruited former Apple staff to accelerate its consumer hardware ambitions.
Key facts
- •Apple alleges OpenAI employed a strategy to recruit over 400 former Apple staff members.
- •The lawsuit claims OpenAI attempted to reach agreements with Apple suppliers including Foxconn, Luxshare, and Goertek using confidential processes.
- •Apple alleges that OpenAI provided guidance to departing employees on how to copy documents without triggering security alerts.
- •OpenAI acquired the startup io Products for $6.5 billion in May 2025.
- •Tang Tan worked at Apple for 24 years before joining OpenAI as chief hardware officer.
Apple has initiated a legal battle against OpenAI, accusing the AI firm of stealing proprietary hardware designs and recruiting former Apple employees to bypass years of research. The lawsuit claims OpenAI gained access to confidential information through former staff and allegedly encouraged them to bring unreleased hardware components to meetings. Apple asserts these actions represent a coordinated strategy to shortcut billions of dollars in investment.
By the numbers
Allegations of Data Misappropriation
Apple's complaint centers on the acquisition of the startup io Products, founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive. The lawsuit alleges that Tang Tan, a former Apple vice president who joined OpenAI after the startup's acquisition, used confidential project codenames during recruitment and encouraged candidates to share unreleased hardware prototypes. Additionally, Apple accuses former engineer Chang Liu of maintaining unauthorized access to internal systems after joining OpenAI in January 2026, allegedly downloading over 1,000 pages of confidential engineering documents.
OpenAI Response and Industry Reaction
OpenAI has rejected the allegations, stating it has no interest in the trade secrets of other companies and is focused on building innovative technology. Apple claims it attempted to address these concerns in a letter sent in February but received no response. The dispute has drawn public attention, including criticism from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who commented on the matter via social media.
Timeline
- February 2024Tang Tan left Apple.
- May 2025OpenAI acquired the startup io Products.
- January 2026Chang Liu joined OpenAI.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Daily Sabah.
