Apple sues OpenAI for allegedly stealing hardware trade secrets
Former Apple engineers accused of stealing confidential hardware files for OpenAI's first product.
Deep Dive
Apple has sued OpenAI, alleging a 'pattern of theft' of trade secrets by ex-Apple employees now at the AI startup. The lawsuit names OpenAI, Jony Ive's IO Products (acquired by OpenAI in 2025), and two individuals: Tang Tan (OpenAI's chief hardware officer) and Chang Liu. Liu allegedly accessed Apple's systems post-employment and downloaded confidential hardware files. Apple claims over 400 former Apple staff now work at OpenAI, whose first hardware product is expected to arrive next year, according to the article.
Key Points
- Apple alleges Chang Liu downloaded dozens of confidential hardware files after leaving Apple and coached a colleague to avoid detection.
- Tang Tan, OpenAI's chief hardware officer, is accused of emailing Apple supplier info to himself before departing and requesting confidential data during interviews.
- Apple claims over 400 ex-Apple employees now work at OpenAI, which plans its first hardware product next year.
Why It Matters
This lawsuit could delay OpenAI's hardware debut and set a precedent for protecting trade secrets in the AI talent war.