Apple and OpenAI are now locked in a high-stakes legal confrontation, with Apple filing a federal lawsuit accusing the AI company of illegally obtaining confidential information and trade secrets related to unreleased Apple products.
According to Bloomberg, the suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It names both OpenAI and Tang Tan — OpenAI’s head of hardware and a former senior Apple executive — as defendants.
Apple’s Allegations
Apple claims OpenAI orchestrated a systematic effort to recruit Apple employees specifically to gain access to sensitive data about products still in development. The complaint alleges that former Apple staff transferred internal documents including product designs, technical specifications, engineering presentations, components, and other proprietary data — information Apple says could accelerate OpenAI’s development of next-generation AI devices.
“At every level — from individual engineers to hardware leadership — OpenAI stole Apple’s trade secrets and confidential information,” Apple states in its filing, as reported by Bloomberg.
Tang Tan and Other Former Apple Engineers at the Center
Tang Tan is central to the case. He served for years as Apple’s Vice President of Product Design and played a key role in developing the iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch before leaving the company. Apple also alleges that Chang Liu, a former iPhone hardware engineer, downloaded dozens of confidential files shortly before joining OpenAI in January — files tied to in-development products, technical specs, and internal project data.
Additionally, Apple contends that OpenAI instructed departing Apple employees not to disclose their new employer and encouraged them to exploit their remaining access period to gather confidential information before their departure.
What Apple Is Asking the Court to Do
Apple is seeking immediate injunctions to halt what it describes as unlawful practices, destruction of any confidential material in OpenAI’s possession, and redesign of any OpenAI products found to rely on improperly acquired technology or information. The company also wants the case tried before a jury.
OpenAI’s Response
OpenAI denies the allegations outright, stating it has no interest in the trade secrets of other companies. “We remain focused on developing innovative technologies that empower people everywhere,” a company spokesperson told a U.S. news agency.
The legal dispute marks a dramatic shift — from public collaboration to courtroom conflict — between two tech giants once seen as potential partners in shaping the future of AI-integrated devices.