OpenAI Accuses Former Employee of Taking Hundreds of Confidential Files Back to Apple
nashnova research
OpenAI alleges in court filings that a former employee who returned to Apple took over 100 confidential documents on unreleased hardware and briefed Apple executives; this means the trade-secret battle has escalated into a full two-way confrontation, putting their ongoing partnership directly at risk.
What was in those 100-plus files?
OpenAI says the former employee took over 100 confidential documents before leaving, covering detailed images, manufacturing processes, and supply-chain information for unreleased hardware.
The employee had worked at Apple, joined OpenAI for roughly six months, then returned to Apple — This means → he had access to core product lines at both companies.
OpenAI further alleges that after returning, the employee gave a dedicated presentation on OpenAI's product plans to Apple leadership — including an Asia operations vice president.
Why was Apple's HomeView called out?
OpenAI wrote in its filing: "Apple now possesses this information and is launching a new offensive in AI-powered products."
The filing specifically named Apple's HomeView smart-display device, released Tuesday, suggesting its development may have benefited from the leaked secrets.
In plain terms = OpenAI's argument is: your new product looks like our unreleased plans, and that is no coincidence. Apple's spokesperson responded that the company found no evidence supporting the allegations.
Why is this now a "full confrontation"?
Apple filed suit first in July, accusing OpenAI of "systematic" poaching. The central figure is former Apple engineer and current OpenAI employee Liu Chang — Apple claims he exploited an authentication flaw to access Apple's network storage and download confidential files.
OpenAI has now reversed the direction: from "OpenAI poached Apple's people" to "Apple poached OpenAI's people." This means → the core question — "who stole whose secrets?" — now cuts both ways, with neither side yielding.
On Wednesday, both sides appeared for the first substantive public hearing at a federal court in California. Judge Edward Davila is reviewing Apple's preliminary injunction request and OpenAI's motion to dismiss simultaneously.
What has the judge done so far?
The day before the hearing, Judge Davila partially granted Apple's request for expedited discovery.
Specifically, OpenAI must turn over documents early related to the consumer-hardware trade-secret claims.
The court also scheduled depositions of former Apple employees named in the case — This reflects the court's view that the factual disputes are serious enough to fast-track into the evidence phase.
They are still partners — how does a lawsuit work?
Apple and OpenAI still maintain a partnership running for nearly two years — ChatGPT is integrated into Apple's operating system.
Yet OpenAI has publicly expressed disappointment with the consumer attention the iPhone ChatGPT integration has generated, and had considered filing its own lawsuit before Apple beat it to the punch.
In plain terms = the partnership is still running and the lawsuit is also running — this is not a normal business relationship but both sides preparing for who holds the upper hand after a breakup.
What comes next?
Apple has already pivoted to partnering with Google on its latest AI features; its own upgraded Siri voice assistant, delayed for years, launched in beta only last month.
OpenAI is preparing for an IPO as early as next year while facing multiple legal and regulatory pressures.
This means → how the court draws the liability line on "trade-secret flows" will not only determine this lawsuit's outcome but also directly shape whether the Apple–OpenAI partnership can survive.
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