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Apple Asks Court to Bar OpenAI From Using Alleged iPhone Hardware Secrets

The company seeks expedited discovery to let depositions determine whether OpenAI’s hardware work relied on proprietary Apple information.

Overview

  • Apple filed a motion for a preliminary injunction and a request for expedited discovery on Monday to prevent OpenAI and two ex‑Apple engineers from accessing, using, or disclosing technology it says are confidential trade secrets.
  • Apple asked the court to compel depositions of the two named ex‑employees, Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, OpenAI staffer Yu‑Ting Peng, an unnamed former Apple employee now at OpenAI, and corporate representatives from OpenAI and io Products.
  • Hours after Apple’s filing, OpenAI published a public rebuttal rejecting the claims, saying it ‘‘does not have, nor want’’ Apple secrets and releasing redacted iMessages and emails it says show Apple employees contacted an ex‑engineer after his departure.
  • OpenAI agreed to preserve evidence and to stop future access but declined Apple’s request to allow Apple’s lawyers and outside forensic experts to inspect OpenAI’s devices, drives, and internal networks.
  • The dispute turns on discovery and offboarding details—if depositions and documents show misuse of Apple material, a judge could curtail OpenAI’s device program; if not, the case will rely on a longer factual record and could still reshape hiring and supplier ties.