Overview
- Apple filed a federal trade‑secrets complaint accusing OpenAI of running a campaign to recruit more than 400 former Apple engineers and to obtain confidential hardware designs, supplier know‑how and files.
- The lawsuit specifically names OpenAI’s chief hardware officer Tang Yew Tan and accuses some departing employees of keeping Apple laptops and accessing sensitive materials after leaving.
- OpenAI has publicly said it is not aware of evidence that the complaint has merit and denies the allegations in the filing.
- Apple intentionally did not name designer Jony Ive in the complaint even though OpenAI acquired his startup io in 2025, a choice reporters say likely reflects a legal or tactical judgment by Apple.
- Legal remedies now being prepared, including preservation notices and wide discovery, could restrict OpenAI’s use of disputed information, disrupt supplier relationships, delay hardware development and create new uncertainty for an anticipated IPO.